Cancer CAHPS

Radiation Oncology (RO) Model is aimed at quality of care for cancer patients receiving radiotherapy (RT) and move towards a simplified and predictable payment system. CMS has been exploring these models since 2014. The Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2021 (H.R. 133) enacted on December 27, 2020 to prohibit the implementation of the RO Model prior to January 1, 2022. The new model is now being released in the proposed rules for CY2022. This new model is mandatory from RT providers and suppliers that furnish RT services within randomly selected CBSAs. This Model will test whether prospective, site neutral, modality agnostic, episode-based payments to physician group practice, hospital outpatient depts. And freestanding radiation therapy centers reduces Medicare expenditures while preserving or enhancing the quality of care for Medicare beneficiaries. Overall aim to improve the experience of patients receiving radiation treatment while incorporating evidence-based best practices to help providers improve patient outcomes. A list of participating ZIP Codes is available on the RO Model website:  innovation.cms.gov/innovation-models/radiation-oncology-model .  Those in the mandatory RO Model must use a CMS-approved contractor and begin reporting no sooner than the fourth month of the first performance period.