CMS will delay start of radiation oncology payment model until July
The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services will push back the start of the radiation oncology payment model that was slated to begin on Jan. 1.
CMS Administrator Seema Verma made the announcement in a tweet Wednesday afternoon, indicating her administration intends to delay the model until July 2021. Verma said feedback from the radiation oncology community influenced the decision and indicated more time is needed for providers to prepare.
The American Society for Radiation Oncology (ASTRO) released a statement Wednesday night saying it is “pleased” and “thankful” that Verma listened to the needs of practices, particularly as they face challenges related to COVID-19.
“We are hopeful that the delay represents the first step toward full, open engagement with ASTRO on ways to ensure that the RO Model achieves our shared goals of higher quality, lower-cost cancer care,” Chair of ASTRO’s Board of Directors Theodore L. DeWeese, MD, said in the statement. “We remain seriously concerned with excessive payment cuts in the model that will cause significant financial strain on practices and risk patient access to radiation treatments.”
The American College of Radiology has been among the many provider groups lobbying against the new payment model, pushing back on CMS’ intended start date as early as September 2019.
The RO model, which CMS finalized on Sept. 18, bundles payments for a 90-day episode of care to radiotherapy providers treating patients with one of 16 different cancers. It’s expected to save approximately $230 million over the next five years.
Matt joined Chicago’s TriMed team in 2018 covering all areas of health imaging after two years reporting on the hospital field. He holds a bachelor’s in English from UIC, and enjoys a good cup of coffee and an interesting documentary.