On February 12, Bipartisan House lawmakers introduced a bill that would delay implementation of the efficiency adjustment until at least 2030, with requirements for a report to Congress and other limitations on potential implementation. ASTRO is the only radiation oncology specialty society listed among the 30 organization supporting the Efficiency Adjustment Delay Act (HR.7520), which would protect physician reimbursement from an across-the-board 2.5% reduction to work relative value units (RVUs), while increasing the conversion factor.  
“ASTRO is proud to join leading physician organizations in protecting patient access to care by supporting the bipartisan Efficiency Adjustment Delay Act” said Sameer Keole, MD, FASTRO, Chair of ASTRO’s Board of Directors. “Medicare's physician payment for radiation oncology has been cut by 27% since 2013, and Medicare’s flawed efficiency adjustment further destabilizes cancer clinics with additional 2.5% cuts, even for services that were recently re-evaluated and reduced. ASTRO commends the leadership of Reps. Ron Estes (R-KS) and Tom Suozzi (D-N.Y.) for standing up for patients and physicians, and we urge Congress to pass this legislation.” 

Finalized in late 2025, the CMS efficiency adjustment relies on incorrect assumptions about shorter specialist procedure times, despite studies showing 90% of procedures in 2023 took as long or longer than in 2019. This cut comes amid a 59% rise in practice costs since 2001, leading to facility closures and threatening physician payment stability and sacrificing patient access.