The Biden administration has moved to delay indefinitely implementing the controversial radiation oncology payment model in response to two recent delays passed by Congress.

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) published a proposed rule Wednesday that said the indefinite delay will free up resources for other alternative payment models. The delay will also enable participants to pause any efforts to get ready for the model.

The radiation oncology mandatory payment model is intended to reimburse oncology practices and hospital outpatient sites for total episodes of care and will make site-neutral payments for certain radiation therapies.

But the model has generated major pushback from the oncology industry. The advocacy group Community Oncology Alliance said last August the mandatory model’s cuts will hurt oncology practices already under strain from the pandemic.

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