Palmetto has issued a revised radiation therapy LCA A59350 that no longer includes a “1-2-minute window” requirement in order to meet direct supervision requirements for radiation therapy (RT) services. Effective December 3, 2023, Palmetto released a new billing and coding article for radiation therapy that required physicians be within a 1-2-minute window to provide direct supervision for RT services. ASTRO’s Payer Relations Subcommittee found this policy to not only be overly restrictive but also a redefinition of CMS’ intent and not conducive to a normal functioning RT department.

ASTRO reached out to Palmetto leadership to express member concerns. Palmetto informed ASTRO that edits were made to the LCA on January 18, which are retroactive to the effective date of December 3, 2023. Thanks to swift action of ASTRO’s Payer Relations Subcommittee the policy has been revised resulting in little to no practice disruption.