Patient Advocacy
For so many reasons, cancer patients can feel very vulnerable. So we believe strongly in protecting and improving cancer patients' rights. Here are some ways you can learn more about the legislative and congressional activities in progress to protect and increase cancer patients' rights.
Multiple organizations, including US Oncology, work closely with the state and federal governments to protect cancer care and increase patients' access to the highest quality of care.
Organizations that Support Patient Rights
Contact Your Elected Officials
If you don't know your senator or representative's phone number in Washington, DC, you can call the US Capitol Switchboard. The phone number for senators is (202) 224-3121. The phone number for representatives is (202) 255-3121. The Internet is another source for telephone/fax numbers, e-mail addresses, and background information, log on to congress.org or look up your Virginia Congress Representatives.
Making Effective Phone Calls
Most of the time, pursuing advocacy involves little more than making a phone call to express your opinions to your legislator. Calls are particularly effective when they highlight a specific piece of legislation, such as insurance coverage for participants in cancer clinical trials, or minimum hospital stays after mastectomy surgery. US Oncology and other organizations are constantly monitoring federal and state level cancer-related legislation, and serve as excellent resources to help you stay informed and take action.
Writing a Letter/Sending a Fax/Sending an Email
The time-tested method of sending a written communication to your senator or representative remains one of the most effective ways to deliver your message. What's new, however, is that you can now deliver the message by mail, by fax or by sending an e-mail.