Kristin Heath
Are you ready for the NAPT meeting?
March 11, 2022
by Gus Iversen, Editor in Chief
With the National Association for Proton Therapy (NAPT) annual meeting right around the corner, HealthCare Business News checked in with Dr. Kristin Heath who, in addition to being a NAPT board member and the agenda chair for the upcoming conference, is also the director of operations at Miami Cancer Institute.
HCB News: Can you tell us about your background with proton therapy and NAPT?
Kristin Health: I began my career in proton therapy as a radiation therapist at University of Florida Health Proton Therapy Institute in 2006. I was later promoted into a lead radiation therapist position and finally into a chief radiation therapist position during my time with UFHPTI. In 2015, I joined Texas Center for Proton Therapy as their director of technical services. When I joined TCPT I was given the opportunity to become more involved with the NAPT and in 2018 was selected to serve as a board member. In 2019, I joined Miami Cancer Institute as their director of operations and was re-selected in 2021 to continue serving as a board member for the NAPT. I believe that the experience I have gained in multiple different roles really has helped me with connecting with a larger part of the proton community. Having experience both clinically and operationally allows me to understand what is going on day-to-day a little better than someone who has just one area of expertise.
HCB News: Looking back over the previous couple of years, what have been some of the industry milestones for proton therapy?
KH: Access for proton therapy has continued increasing. We now have 38 operating proton centers and NAPT has 40 members. More hospitals/cancer centers are recognizing the value of proton therapy and incorporating this technology into their cancer program.
The publication of significant research that supports the value of proton therapy for cancer patients. The clinical research is proving that proton therapy benefits patients in the short and long term and also the cost savings for insurers and for patients.
HCB News: Has the reimbursement situation changed?
KH: It has improved slightly for certain patients such as those with head and neck cancers; however, unfortunately, many patients still experience denials and unnecessary delays in authorization due to burdensome processes by commercial insurers. Our physicians and staff spend many hours and valuable resources fighting these appeals for patients. This can cause stress and anxiety for patients as they wait to start treatment.
HCB News: In your experience, are oncologists and physicians in general becoming more aware of proton therapy and the role it can play in treating their patients?
KH: Although a slow process, I would say that physicians and patients are becoming more aware of the benefits of proton therapy; especially for children, patients requiring reirradiation, and those with head and neck cancers, brain tumors, and other tumor sites close to critical organs.
HCB News: Do they have any common misconceptions?
KH: Unfortunately, physicians often perceive this to be costly care that is not covered by insurance, but our proton therapy centers are experts at advocating for coverage and getting appeals approved. We also work hard to ensure patients’ out of pocket costs are minimal. In addition, proton therapy prevents costly side effects that can be expensive for cancer survivorsWith the National Association for Proton Therapy (NAPT) annual meeting right around the corner, HealthCare Business News checked in with Dr. Kristin Heath who, in addition to being a NAPT board member and the agenda chair for the upcoming conference, is also the director of operations at Miami Cancer Institute.
HCB News: What are some of the key initiatives that the NAPT is currently focusing on?
KH: We continue to work toward our mission to increase access to proton therapy through key initiatives approved by our board. We are excited to award grants to MD Anderson and Washington University in St. Louis focusing on the health economics in proton therapy. We also just completed a summary on the “state of proton therapy” in the U.S., which highlights the trends in the treatment and delivery of proton therapy. Our Physician Advisory Committee is helping us encourage research and identify pertinent studies we can share with patients and other proton centers. We also continue to welcome new members and support them as they bring this technology to their communities.
HCB News: As agenda chair for the upcoming NAPT conference, can you tell us a bit about what attendees can expect?
KH: We are very pleased to bring our community together for our first in person conference in two years. We have a safe environment with plenty of outdoor space in sunny Florida. We have a robust agenda but have also planned opportunities for roundtable discussions, networking, and engagement with our corporate partners and thought leaders. Those who support particle therapy are part of a close and united community. We are looking forward to learning, sharing resources, and celebrating our achievements.
HCB News: Are there any sessions or presentations that you're particularly excited about?
KH: Our speakers are leaders in research, health policy, and administration from all over the world. We will feature sessions on future policy in cancer care and the future of technological advances in particle therapy. We are excited to collaborate with PTCOG-NA this year as they offer a special session focusing on proton therapy for breast cancer and highlight current randomized clinical trials in proton therapy. We are also featuring patients who will share with us their story of how proton therapy has made a positive impact on their life. We are also proud to honor Dr. Jay Loeffler as our 2022 Lifetime Achievement Award recipient at a special award ceremony.
HCB News: Can you tell us about your background with proton therapy and NAPT?
Kristin Health: I began my career in proton therapy as a radiation therapist at University of Florida Health Proton Therapy Institute in 2006. I was later promoted into a lead radiation therapist position and finally into a chief radiation therapist position during my time with UFHPTI. In 2015, I joined Texas Center for Proton Therapy as their director of technical services. When I joined TCPT I was given the opportunity to become more involved with the NAPT and in 2018 was selected to serve as a board member. In 2019, I joined Miami Cancer Institute as their director of operations and was re-selected in 2021 to continue serving as a board member for the NAPT. I believe that the experience I have gained in multiple different roles really has helped me with connecting with a larger part of the proton community. Having experience both clinically and operationally allows me to understand what is going on day-to-day a little better than someone who has just one area of expertise.
HCB News: Looking back over the previous couple of years, what have been some of the industry milestones for proton therapy?
KH: Access for proton therapy has continued increasing. We now have 38 operating proton centers and NAPT has 40 members. More hospitals/cancer centers are recognizing the value of proton therapy and incorporating this technology into their cancer program.
The publication of significant research that supports the value of proton therapy for cancer patients. The clinical research is proving that proton therapy benefits patients in the short and long term and also the cost savings for insurers and for patients.
HCB News: Has the reimbursement situation changed?
KH: It has improved slightly for certain patients such as those with head and neck cancers; however, unfortunately, many patients still experience denials and unnecessary delays in authorization due to burdensome processes by commercial insurers. Our physicians and staff spend many hours and valuable resources fighting these appeals for patients. This can cause stress and anxiety for patients as they wait to start treatment.
HCB News: In your experience, are oncologists and physicians in general becoming more aware of proton therapy and the role it can play in treating their patients?
KH: Although a slow process, I would say that physicians and patients are becoming more aware of the benefits of proton therapy; especially for children, patients requiring reirradiation, and those with head and neck cancers, brain tumors, and other tumor sites close to critical organs.
HCB News: Do they have any common misconceptions?
KH: Unfortunately, physicians often perceive this to be costly care that is not covered by insurance, but our proton therapy centers are experts at advocating for coverage and getting appeals approved. We also work hard to ensure patients’ out of pocket costs are minimal. In addition, proton therapy prevents costly side effects that can be expensive for cancer survivorsWith the National Association for Proton Therapy (NAPT) annual meeting right around the corner, HealthCare Business News checked in with Dr. Kristin Heath who, in addition to being a NAPT board member and the agenda chair for the upcoming conference, is also the director of operations at Miami Cancer Institute.
HCB News: What are some of the key initiatives that the NAPT is currently focusing on?
KH: We continue to work toward our mission to increase access to proton therapy through key initiatives approved by our board. We are excited to award grants to MD Anderson and Washington University in St. Louis focusing on the health economics in proton therapy. We also just completed a summary on the “state of proton therapy” in the U.S., which highlights the trends in the treatment and delivery of proton therapy. Our Physician Advisory Committee is helping us encourage research and identify pertinent studies we can share with patients and other proton centers. We also continue to welcome new members and support them as they bring this technology to their communities.
HCB News: As agenda chair for the upcoming NAPT conference, can you tell us a bit about what attendees can expect?
KH: We are very pleased to bring our community together for our first in person conference in two years. We have a safe environment with plenty of outdoor space in sunny Florida. We have a robust agenda but have also planned opportunities for roundtable discussions, networking, and engagement with our corporate partners and thought leaders. Those who support particle therapy are part of a close and united community. We are looking forward to learning, sharing resources, and celebrating our achievements.
HCB News: Are there any sessions or presentations that you're particularly excited about?
KH: Our speakers are leaders in research, health policy, and administration from all over the world. We will feature sessions on future policy in cancer care and the future of technological advances in particle therapy. We are excited to collaborate with PTCOG-NA this year as they offer a special session focusing on proton therapy for breast cancer and highlight current randomized clinical trials in proton therapy. We are also featuring patients who will share with us their story of how proton therapy has made a positive impact on their life. We are also proud to honor Dr. Jay Loeffler as our 2022 Lifetime Achievement Award recipient at a special award ceremony.