The American Association of Hip and Knee Surgeons urged Congress Nov. 5 to address Medicare surgeon payment cuts for hip and knee replacements after CMS finalized a reduction of more than 17% for 2027, following a cut of more than 7% in 2026.
The reductions total around 25% in less than two years. AAHKS warned that the cuts could force independent practices to close or join larger hospital systems, potentially limiting patient access, particularly in rural communities.
The association said surgeon reimbursement for hip and knee replacements has fallen 41% over the past 25 years, while practice operating costs have risen 59%. Under the final rule, surgeons would receive less than 4% of the up to $25,000 Medicare can spend on a hip replacement.
AAHKS also cited more than $136 million in Medicare savings generated by hip and knee surgeons through value-based payment programs over three years. The association said CMS is moving ahead with the cuts despite those savings, and that financial pressure on independent practices could drive more care into higher-cost hospital systems.
AAHKS is calling on Congress to mitigate the reductions and establish a sustainable Medicare physician payment approach that protects patient access and choice.
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