On August 25, 2022, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) issued a final rule indefinitely delaying the start of the Radiation Oncology Model. CMS will establish new start and end dates for the model through future rulemaking, which may also modify the model’s design. CMS will propose a new start date for the model at least six months prior to the proposed date.

According to CMS, the delay was finalized due to the amount of operational resources required for the agency and RO model participants to prepare to implement the model and a lack of stakeholder support for the model unless specific changes are made.

The Association for Clinical Oncology (ASCO) applauds CMS for delaying the start of the RO Model. The agency should continue to work closely with affected stakeholders and incorporate recommendations for model improvement, including making the model voluntary—with little to no risk for participants, before considering a new start date.

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