AHA supports CMS proposal to delay Radiation Oncology Model

The AHA supports the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services’ proposal to delay the January 2023 start of the Radiation Oncology Model to a date determined through future rulemaking, the association told the agency today.

Commenting on the proposed rule for the model, AHA said it “strongly supports CMS’ efforts to transform the delivery of cancer care. We also support the original intent of the RO Model, which was to protect access to care by ensuring fair, predictable payment for radiation oncologists. However, this important goal of the original RO Model has been marred by the incorporation of significant payment cuts and substantial administrative burdens for those participating in this mandatory model.”

AHA urged the agency to consider incorporating its previously recommended changes if the model advances in the future, including “adopting a risk versus reward equation that is much more appropriately balanced.”