Radiation Therapy Bundles for Cancer Treatment

As the leading voice for independent urologists, LUGPA supports CMS’ episodic approach to radiation therapy as another step towards true site neutrality and, ultimately, more complete price transparency.

CMS’ approach to implementing this proposal without simultaneously reducing reimbursements is a physician-friendly approach we encourage the agency to utilize in future efforts in the transition to value-based care. We firmly believe that any future effort to implement new care models while concurrently reducing reimbursements will introduce increased and unnecessary burdens on independent physicians that must be avoided. Continued efforts by CMS to advance site neutral payments and price transparency will reinforce what LUGPA has always maintained: independent physicians provide excellent quality care at a better value.

WHAT IS LUGPA’S GOAL?

LUGPA practices are committed to value-based care and we are encouraged by CMS’ proposal to utilize bundled payments, rather than fee-for-service payments, as a reimbursement model for patients needing radiation therapy.

LUGPA helped secure a payment freeze to proposed cuts to radiation therapy in the physician office setting several years ago. That legislation also required CMS to develop a bundled payment for radiation services which was announced in early 2019. LUGPA will continue to work with CMS and other stakeholders to ensure that the bundle protects adequate patient access to care.