08/26/2022

Update on the Radiation Oncology Model

On August 25, 2022, CMS displayed a final rule in the Federal Register, CMS-5527-F2, to delay the current start date of the RO Model to a date to be determined through future rulemaking. The final rule can be found here: https://www.federalregister.gov/public-inspection/2022-18541/radiation-oncology-model.

That is, the RO Model will not begin on January 1, 2023. The start date of the RO Model would be defined through future rulemaking and is not known at this time. 

In light of this delay, on September 1, 2022, the following changes will occur to the RO portals:   

• RO Connect will be made “read only” for users, meaning that you may continue to access resources in the library, but users will no longer be able to post on RO Connect. 
• The RO Model Secure Data Portal will no longer be accessible to users. 
• The RO Administrative Portal (ROAP) will remain available to users with “restricted access,” meaning that users will be able to access information already saved in ROAP. 

The RO Model website (https://innovation.cms.gov/initiatives/radiation-oncology-model/) will continue to maintain information about the RO Model and its design, including supplemental resources such as technical documents and guides.   

Please continue to send policy feedback and questions to RadiationTherapy@cms.hhs.gov.