Radiation Oncologist CAC Representatives Meet to Discuss 2024 Local Coverage Activities

The American College of Radiology® (ACR®) Radiation Oncology Contractor Advisory Committee (CAC) Network met Sept. 28, to discuss local Medicare coverage issues. The meeting was led by Laeton Pang, MD, MPH, FACR, Chair of the ACR Radiation Oncology CAC Network.

During the meeting, ACR staff and Radiation Oncology network members covered key local coverage topic areas tracked in 2024:

• Radiation Therapies
• Proton Beam Therapy
• Intensity Modulated Radiation Therapy
• Superficial Radiation Therapy (SRT) for the Treatment of Non-Melanoma Skin Cancers

Meeting participants took a deep dive into anticipated local coverage updates and updates on Multi-Specialty CAC Engagement Coalition activities, highlighting Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) and Medicare Administrative Contractor (MAC) outreach efforts. Discussion also focused on the 2025 payment reform and comments ACR submitted to CMS on the 2025 Medicare Physician Fee Schedule (MPFS) and Hospital Outpatient Prospective Payment System proposed rules. Updates to the American Society for Radiation Oncology (ASTRO) Radiation Oncology Case Rate Program model, an ASTRO legislative priority, and the coming years to fix reduced reimbursement rates to radiation oncologists were also discussed.

A strategy discussion occurred in preparation for the multi-jurisdictional CAC meeting that will take place Oct. 17. The College and ASTRO will have representation on the subject matter expert panel. In addition, discussion was held regarding ACR’s comment letter in response to a CMS request for information regarding MAC consolidation and Contract Award Period of Performance. The consolidation would impact National Government Services, Inc., Wisconsin Physicians Service, Government Health Administrators and Celerian Group Company Administrators, LLC jurisdictions.

All local/regional coverage meetings are open to the public and ACR encourages members to track activities and participate in the process to amplify the voice of radiology and all subspecialties.

ACR members are encouraged to participate in the Radiation Oncology CAC Network to help with important policy development and reimbursement discussions to maintain its effectiveness.

If you have questions or are interested in joining the ACR Radiation Oncology CAC Network, contact Alicia Blakey, ACR Principal Economic Analyst.