Oncology episode payment models can be complex, combining into a single benchmark price all payments for services during an episode of illness, many of which may be delivered at different times by different providers in different locations. This according to a recent review from the developers of CMS’s Oncology Care Model. Among the important considerations:

• Policy and technical decisions include the definition of an episode; the identification of included beneficiaries; and beneficiary attribution to practitioners responsible for care.
• The calculation and risk adjustment of benchmark episode prices must reflect geographic cost variations and diverse patient populations.
• Timely monitoring and intervention as needed will avoid shifting the attribution of beneficiaries on the basis of their expected episode expenditures.
• The provision of necessary medical services and the development of a meaningful link to quality measurement and improvement is critical.