Dr. Peter K. Sien: Denham’s visit highlighted importance of local cancer care

My colleagues and I were honored to host Rep. Jeff Denham during his visit to Peter K. Sien, MD, Inc., a 21st Century Oncology affiliate. We appreciated the opportunity to highlight the importance of radiation therapy in a community practice.

We discussed advances in cancer treatment and showcased the technologies used at our facility, including the linear accelerator with on-board imaging for delivery of image guided radiation therapy and intensity modulated radiation therapy. We demonstrated the intricate process of constructing the all-important concrete vault that houses the linear accelerator as well as our highly specific maintenance and quality assurance protocols. Our physicians, nurses, physicists, therapists, dosimetrists and support staff provide high-quality cancer care that keeps Modesto-area patients within the supportive environment of their communities.

To ensure access to community-based care, I urge lawmakers to support policies that offer stable and predictable Medicare payment structure so that free-standing centers can continue to offer high-quality radiation care. It is imperative that free-standing community cancer centers receive the resources to support treatment, maintain adequate staffing, allow maintanence of superior equipment and reward (not penalize) practices for updating technologies that benefit our patients.

We appreciate the opportunity to advocate for the many patients we have the great honor of caring for each day.

This story was originally published July 2, 2015 at 12:10 PM with the headline "Dr. Peter K. Sien: Denham’s visit highlighted importance of local cancer care."