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AON Issues Comments Against CMS’ 2023 Outpatient Prospective Payment System
American Oncology Network (AON) commented against CMS' proposed CY 2023 Outpatient Prospective Payment System stating it will have grave effects on the sustainability of community oncology practices.
Fort Myers, Fla., August 18, 2022 – American Oncology Network, LLC (AON) expressed their concern regarding CMS' proposed CY 2023 Outpatient Prospective Payment System (OPPS) stating that it will undoubtedly cripple community health care practices.
While practices affiliated with health care systems and hospitals reap the benefits of the OPPS proposals, independent community practices were noted to have to reduce their payment rates to maintain neutrality and receive a decrease in Medicare payments. Moreover, increases in the 340B drug pricing to the average sale price plus 6% and the rise in Medicare reimbursement rates of 2.7% will further limit the ability of community practices to continue providing quality care, services, and medications to their patients.
“Community-based clinics provide high-quality care, services, and resources that are affordable and accessible,” said AON chief medical officer and Genesis Cancer and Blood Institute medical oncologist Stephen “Fred” Divers, MD. “These practices are critical players in closing the cancer care gap and driving health care equity. If they do not receive the support needed to continue providing care in their communities, our health care system has done a disservice to them and failed.”
