ASTRO Health Policy leadership recently met with the Medicare Payment Advisory Commission (MedPAC) on payment cuts and the Radiation Oncology Case Rate (ROCR) program. MedPAC is an independent commission that advises Congress on Medicare payment policy. During the meeting, MedPAC staff learned about the significant capital expenses required to deliver radiation therapy and the inadequacies of the current payment systems, which are exacerbated due to growing use of hypofractionation. MedPAC has recently recognized the challenges associated with inadequate payment under the Medicare Physician Fee Schedule (MPFS), and the meeting served as an opportunity to demonstrate how a shift to ROCR would address those challenges for radiation oncology.

In addition to the MedPAC meeting, ASTRO continues to meet with radiation oncology practices in both the freestanding and hospital setting, as well as industry stakeholders, to discuss the ROCR program and address questions. Updates have been made to the ROCR FAQs to include information in response to recent questions. Members interested in setting up a meeting or with questions should reach out to the health policy team. For those ready to join those signing on in support of ROCR, please fill out the ROCR Feedback Form.