To our Cyberknife Prostate Patients
March 1, 2010

On April 21st, 2010,  the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) has scheduled a Medicare Evidence Development and Coverage Advisory Committee (MEDCAC) meeting to review evidence on the use of external beam radiation therapy (intensity modulated radiation therapy, stereotactic body radiation therapy/CyberKnife, proton) and brachytherapy for the treatment of localized prostate cancer.

One of the potential outcomes from this meeting may include: A National Coverage Determination (NCD) eliminating coverage of stereotactic body radiation therapy/CyberKnife and/or other therapies for prostate cancer altogether. CyberKnife is currently covered by Local Coverage Determinations (LCDs) across the country. Over the past two years, four regional Medicare contractors released draft policies that proposed to withdraw coverage of CyberKnife for the treatment of prostate cancer. In each of these regions, coverage was ultimately provided after hearing from physicians and patients supporting access to this treatment option. This could not have been accomplished without strong advocacy.

These regional gains are now in jeopardy if CMS decides to put in place barriers to access at the national level. We know that patient opinions are considered critical when national organizations such as CMS decide upon healthcare policy and coverage. Cancer patients and their families have the right for their voices to be heard!

The CyberKnife Coalition (CKC) has set up a website survey that allows CyberKnife patients to voice their concerns and urge CMS to continue to provide coverage. If you would like your voice to be heard, please take action today by clicking the survey link.

http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/LKKP2XP

Deadline to take the survey: March 31, 2010.

Thanks four your attention to this very important topic.

Sincerely,

Donald B. Fuller, M.D.
Radiation Oncologist
Radiation Medical Group, Inc.
CyberKnife Centers of San Diego