Florida Cancer Specialists Showcase Community Oncology's Importance to Legislators

Recently, the Florida Cancer Specialists & Research Institute (FCS) had the honor of hosting U.S. Representative Laurel Lee at their Wesley Chapel Cancer Center. This visit, part of the Community Oncology Alliance's "Sit in My Chair" initiative, aimed to provide policymakers with a firsthand experience of the community oncology model, emphasizing its critical value to patients and communities throughout Florida.

During her visit, Rep. Lee toured the state-of-the-art facility and engaged directly with healthcare professionals, patients, and medical staff. This allowed her to witness and understand the patient-centered care approach that FCS prides itself on. Dr. Richard McDonough, FCS's Director of Legislative Affairs, was notably enthusiastic about the importance of this event. He highlighted that by experiencing the care delivery process personally, Rep. Lee was able to appreciate the high-quality, comprehensive treatment offered by their dedicated team. He stated, "We deeply appreciate her interest and willingness to participate in our event, which is essential for advocating our cause."

FCS is not only recognized for its advanced cancer treatments but also for its commitment to improving community-focused oncology care. With nearly 100 centers serving around 1.1 million patients annually, maintaining open communication with lawmakers like Rep. Lee is vital for ensuring that cancer care remains accessible, local, and affordable. Dr. McDonough used this opportunity to discuss pressing legislative issues, including the Seniors' Access to Critical Medications Act of 2025 (H.R. 2484).

The act aims to modernize the outdated Stark Law, which currently imposes significant barriers on how cancer medications are dispensed within community practices. By advocating for this change, FCS aims to ensure that patients can receive their prescribed treatments in a timely manner without unnecessary delays, ultimately improving health outcomes.

“The seamless delivery of cancer care is paramount,” Dr. McDonough remarked. “This legislation would facilitate the delivery of essential medications directly from healthcare providers to patients, making a critical difference in their treatment journeys." Moreover, he emphasized that for patients residing in rural or underserved areas, these legislative reforms could be life-changing, promoting timely access to necessary care.

In addition to discussing medication access, Dr. McDonough and FCS General Counsel Jacqueline Ambrose engaged Rep. Lee in a conversation about the disparities in reimbursement rates between community oncology practices and larger hospital settings. They painted a stark picture of how these reimbursement inconsistencies can adversely affect patient costs, emphasizing that "Patients deserve access to affordable, high-quality cancer care no matter where they receive it.”

By persisting in advocacy for site parity—advocating for equal reimbursement rates—FCS aims to alleviate the financial burden that high hospital-based care can impose on patients. The goal is not only to enhance the viability of independent community practices but also to preserve patients’ choices regarding their treatment options.

The 'Sit in My Chair' initiative is integral to enhancing lawmakers' understanding of the patient journey and the significance of maintaining access to excellent cancer care within local communities. As FCS continues to champion these critical legislative reforms, it remains committed to providing world-class cancer care and ensuring a brighter future for cancer patients across Florida.

In conclusion, the visit from Rep. Lee to the FCS Wesley Chapel Cancer Center was more than just a tour; it was a vital step in reinforcing the importance of community oncology. Through continued dialogue with policymakers, FCS aims to elevate the conversation regarding cancer care, making strides to ensure that patients receive the treatment they need without unnecessary obstacles.