August 2020 Ebrief

We are living through extraordinary times as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic that will have a lasting impact on health care and the economy. This is further amplified by the formidable crisis that links our social and health care systems with the need to support diversity, inclusion and health equity. The cross-section of radiation oncology and therapeutic radiology has never been more apparent as the medical community struggles to provide timely access to diagnosis, evaluation, and treatment of cancer patients.

At the start of the pandemic, most non-emergent healthcare was halted, including cancer screening. Unfortunately, cancer incidence does not stop with the pandemic. For some patients, decreased screening will delay diagnosis or worsen outcome. As a radiation oncologist, these circumstances put us in the position to redefine our practice while navigating cancer care. Many centers rose to the challenge of maintaining treatment delivery while ensuring the safety of staff and patient. Expanded telehealth was quickly employed by many centers to allow safe access to providers. In addition, rapid dissemination of research to guide treatment recommendations as well as the increased use of hypofractionation (shorter radiation therapy regimens) allowed many patients to receive the cancer care they needed.

While the field of radiation oncology is responding to the call and adjusting as necessary to provide the best care for our patients, uncertainties remain. Rapidly increasing unemployment levels may be expected to produce growth in the number of uninsured and Medicaid patients as the work-age population transitions out of commercial insurance coverage. This may be exacerbated by pressures on state budgets to curtail Medicaid reimbursement and private payors adjusting their coverage resulting in decrease revenue even if overall patient volumes recover. The ACR is working with more than 50 other national medical societies to avert reimbursement cuts due to the Medicare Physician Fee Schedule evaluation and management code changes. The ACR has provided members a free webinar where experts discuss major changes they anticipate to their diverse business and practice models. -> Click Here

The resilience demonstrated by radiation oncologists and radiologists will hopefully mitigate the short and long-term impact on our fields. It is evident in both radiation oncology and radiology in times of crisis our colleagues continue to innovate. Radiologists are able to diagnose early signs of Covid-19 on chest CT scans and radiation oncologists are researching new ways to identify the characteristic Covid-19 pneumonia concerns on CT Simulation scans (otherwise used for radiation treatment planning) and daily cone beam CT scans (otherwise used for daily set up alignment). Radiation oncologists are also investigating the use of low dose lung radiotherapy to treat some Covid-19 patients.

As we begin the process of resuming clinical practice, the ACR has multiple resources to help make informed decision during the Covid-10 pandemic and guideline to help practices safely resume providing important non-urgent care. -> Click Here and Click Here

The Covid-19 pandemic has disrupted all aspects of health care, spotlighted health disparities, and devastated the economy. The stress of our current situation highlights the intense need for self-care. Wellness is now more important than ever as we navigate current challenges and face the uncertainty of the future. The ACR has provided extensive wellness resources. -> Click Here

We face unique opportunities and challenges, as we work to prioritize safe and quality patient care while we navigate this pandemic. During these challenging times the FRS is responding to the call and continues to work on your behalf to help you and your practice recover from Covid-19.

I would like to send the FRS community my best wishes and hope that all of you and your families are well and safe.