The American Society for Radiation Oncology (ASTRO) roundly criticized a proposed rule released on July 6 by the U.S. Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) that would cut payment for radiation oncology services by 15%.
CMS issued a proposed rule for its 2013 Medicare Physician Fee Schedule (MPFS) that will go into effect on January 1, after a public comment period. The proposed changes reflect an overall 15% reduction in payment for radiation oncology services -- equal to a $300 million loss for the provision of cancer care services, ASTRO said.
The most significant portion of the cut, 7%, is due to a change by CMS in the treatment times for intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) and stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT) procedure codes.
"These cuts would have a negative impact on patient access to lifesaving cancer treatment, particularly in rural communities, and could jeopardize patient safety," said Dr. Leonard Gunderson, chairman of ASTRO's board of directors, in a statement. "The proposed cuts to radiation oncology reimbursement are more than double what has been proposed for any other healthcare providers. It is essential to protect and to strengthen access to safe cancer care nationwide."
