ASTRO is a long-standing critic of the radiation oncology model proposed by CMS. The aim of the model for the agency is to enhance the quality of care received by Medicare beneficiaries while reducing or maintaining spending. Through the model, CMS wants to assess if “site-neutral, modality agnostic, prospective episode-based payments” for radiation therapy episodes achieve those dual objectives.
In 2019, ASTRO estimated that CMS’ draft proposal would cut payments to required participants by $320 million over a five-year period. ASTRO called the cuts “excessive.” However, CMS pushed ahead with the core of its draft proposal and issued a final rule in September 2020.
