Patient Advocacy

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Contact Your Elected Officials
If you don't know your senator or representative's telephone number in Washington, DC, you may get connected to their offices by calling: 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 to If you don't know your senator or representative's telephone number in Washington, DC, you may get connected to their offices by calling: 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 house.gov.

Making Effective Phone Calls
Most of the time, advocacy involves little more than making a phone call to express your opinions to your legislator. Phone 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. Many 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
This time-tested method of sending a written communication to your legislator remains one of the most effective ways to deliver your message to senators and representatives. What's new, however, is that you can now deliver the message by mail, by fax or by sending an e-mail. If you would like to view more tips on these topics, including a sample letter to help you get started, please click the Related Documents link on this page. For information and assistance with resources in your community, just ask your social worker or nurse.


US Oncology provides administrative and management services to the medical practice discussed on this Web site. US Oncology does not own medical practices or provide medical services, nor does it employ physicians or nurses or participate in decisions regarding patient care.