The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) released the Radiation Oncology (RO) alternative payment model (APM) proposed rule April 6. CMS proposes to delay the start date of the RO APM to a date to be determined through future rulemaking. Accordingly, the rule also proposes to modify the definition of the model performance period to be established in future rulemaking.
The RO model has been delayed multiple times, including two delays imposed by Congress. Given the numerous delays and uncertainty about the timing, delaying the APM indefinitely will give participants the ability to pause their efforts to prepare for the implementation of the RO model.
CMS welcomes additional dialogue with RO participants and stakeholders about Medicare payment for radiation therapy services and is soliciting comments about the proposed delay and amendments to the definition of the model performance period.
The American College of Radiology® (ACR®) will collaborate with the American Society for Radiation Oncology to prepare comments about the proposed rule.
Questions about the RO APM proposed rule should be directed to Christina Berry, ACR Team Lead, Economic Policy.