The American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons has expressed its opposition to CMS’ calendar year 2027 Medicare Physician Fee Schedule, according to a July 22 news release from the AAOS.
Here are five things to know:
- The AAOS said that the new fee schedule, which includes reimbursement cuts for physicians, places an additional burden on orthopedic practices that are facing rising costs.
- The new proposal would accelerate consolidation in orthopedics, leading to fewer private practices and higher costs for patients, according to the AAOS.
- The AAOS said that the Medicare Physician Fee Schedule should preserve patient access and allow physicians to make treatment decisions based on the needs of each patient.
- The organization has pledged to continue working with Congress, CMS and the physician community to prevent the implementation of the policies included in the new fee schedule.
- “Private practice orthopaedic surgeons are on the front lines of delivering efficient, high-quality care in communities across the country,” Wilford Gibson, MD, president of the AAOS, said in the release. “This proposal threatens that model, accelerates consolidation and makes it harder for surgeons to continue caring for Medicare patients. AAOS is calling on CMS to press pause, maintain the 2026 values and work with physicians on a policy that reflects the true cost and complexity of musculoskeletal care.”
At the Becker’s 32nd Annual Meeting: The Business and Operations of ASCs, taking place October 29-31 in Chicago, ASC leaders, surgeons and healthcare executives will explore strategies to drive growth, enhance operational performance, navigate reimbursement challenges and prepare for the future of ambulatory surgery. Apply for complimentary registration now.