ASCO analyzes Medicare physician reimbursement for oncology: 4 notes

CMS released its 2025 Physician Fee Schedule Nov. 1, finalizing a conversion factor of $32.35, down 2.83% from $33.29 in 2024.

The American Society of Clinical Oncology analyzed how the updates will affect oncology care providers.

Here are four things to know from the ASCO analysis:

1. Though the effect on physician reimbursement will vary, ASCO estimates a 4% decrease for medical oncology, a 3.25% decrease for radiation oncology and a 3.6% decrease for gynecologic oncology in 2025.
   
   
2. Starting Jan. 1, Medicare enrollees will need to be in a rural area and at a medical facility to receive nonbehavioral health services via telehealth.
   
   
3. Medicare coverage for colorectal cancer screening will now include computed tomography colonography and blood-based biomarker screening. Coverage for barium enemas will end.
   
   
4. CMS added seven quality measures, added two and removed three improvement activities, and added one cost measure to the Advancing Cancer Care Merit-Based Incentive Payment System (MIPS) Value Pathway.