CMS announces new cancer care model for Medicare patients

Medicare-enrolled physician group practices may apply through Sept. 30 to participate in a voluntary oncology care model beginning next July for five years, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services announced today. Under the Enhanced Oncology Model, participating practices will take on financial and performance accountability for episodes of care surrounding systemic chemotherapy administration to Medicare patients with common cancer types. 

“We believe the Enhancing Oncology Model will incentivize participating oncology practices — including those in rural and underserved areas — to improve the provision of high quality, coordinated care that addresses patients’ social needs and improves patient and caregiver support,” said CMS Administrator Chiquita Brooks-LaSure.