15 Dec 2021 Summation of Final Rule
We have been reviewing the MPFS & HOPPS 2021 Final Rules documents that were released by CMS last week. Our team has created a summary of the rules for your review.
Of note, CMS has reduced the conversion factor (CF) from $36.09 to $32.41 for CY 2021. The CF reduction, combined with some RVU reductions, ultimately translates into revenue reductions for the Radiation Oncology specialty as a whole. Although these cuts are disheartening, history strongly suggests that Congress will take action to avert the CF reduction because it affects all specialties. If this does occur, this 10% of the driver for reductions in RO reimbursement is resolved. We would encourage each of you to work individually with your local congressman and legislatures, and partner with ASTRO on these efforts. RBS will do the same for our clinics and clients and have provided you the link for ASTRO advocacy. Given these across the board cuts during a Public Health Emergency, there has never been a better argument for CMS to keep payments to physicians stable.