On July 31, the American College of Radiology® (ACR®) sent a letter to leadership at the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Innovation (CMMI) regarding the proposed Radiation Oncology (RO) Model. The RO Model is currently listed as under review at the Office of Management and Budget, as part of a rule titled, “Specialty Care Models to Improve Quality of Care and Reduce Expenditures.” The proposed rule for the RO Model was published in July 2019.
Due to the significant impacts of COVID-19 on the healthcare system and radiation oncology practices, the ACR believes that the proposed RO Model requires additional modifications. The ACR is concerned about the ability of practices to participate in the model due to COVID-19, and recommends modifications surrounding the model’s mandatory participation, quality reporting, trend factor, and case mix.
The ACR stressed that much has changed since it first submitted comments on the model in September 2019, and RO practices are still adjusting to the effects of COVID-19. Not only are RO practices facing financial impacts including declines in volume and revenue, but there has also been ongoing redeployment of clinical and administrative resources which would be required for adequate implementation of the new payment model.
While the ACR looks forward to the publication of the final rule, the ACR urges CMS to make these vital modifications to the model.
Any questions can be directed to Samantha Porter at sporter@acr.org.