Press Kit: Radiation Oncology Payment Reform
The Radiation Oncology Case Rate (ROCR) Value-Based Payment Program Act (H.R.8404 / S.4330), introduced in May 2024 by Sen. Thom Tillis (R-N.C.) and Reps. Brian Fitzpatrick (R-Pa.), Jimmy Panetta (D-Calif.), John Joyce, MD (R-Pa.) and Paul Tonko (D-N.Y.), would protect access to high quality cancer treatments for patients nationwide and reverse decade-long declines in Medicare payments for radiation therapy.
ROCR would:
- Shift Medicare’s current, outdated per-treatment payment system to a patient centered approach.
- Usher in an era of stable payments and higher quality care while generating savings for Medicare.
- Reduce disparities that create barriers for patients to access and complete radiation treatments.
- Safeguard the ability for patients to receive cutting-edge care close to home.
Physician leaders are available on request for media interviews about ROCR and ASTRO’s work toward payment stability for radiation oncology. For the latest updates on ROCR from our Advocacy team, visit What's Happening in Washington.
ROCR Press Materials
Endorsement letters to Congress from 60+ organizations and radiation oncology stakeholders and the Cancer Leadership Council (7/24/24)
Press Release: Bipartisan bill to modernize radiation oncology reimbursement introduced in Congress (5/15/24)
- Section-by-Section Summary of the Radiation Oncology Case Rate (ROCR) Value-Based Program Act of 2024
- Backgrounder: The Road to Radiation Oncology Payment Reform
Press Release: Radiation oncology physician groups unite to ensure patient access to cancer care (1/9/24)
Official Statement: Medicare physician payment final rule cements more cuts to radiation oncology, underscores need for legislative fix (11/2/23)
Press Release: ASTRO President to speak at President’s Cancer Panel meeting about radiation oncology’s critical contributions to national goals (9/7/23)
Official Statement: New proposed rule continues cuts to Medicare reimbursement; Legislative remedies needed to protect patients’ access to care (7/13/23)
Blog Post: ASTRO Releases New Radiation Oncology Payment Reform Legislative Proposal (6/28/23)
Visit ASTRO's Radiation Oncology Case Rate (ROCR) program hub for information geared toward ASTRO members, including FAQs, a recorded webinar with ASTRO's Health Policy Council leaders and other resources.
Radiation Oncology APM (RO Model)
In September 2020, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) issued a final rule establishing a Radiation Oncology Alternative Payment Model (RO Model); in August 2022, the agency issued a final rule that indefinitely delayed the implementation of the model. ASTRO expressed serious concerns about the success of the RO Model given its incongruity with recommendations provided by radiation oncology stakeholders throughout the rulemaking process.
Find press materials related to ASTRO’s advocacy around the RO Model.
For More Information
Direct questions and interview requests to ASTRO’s media relations team by email.
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