A proposed Medicare rule could cut physician reimbursement for total hip and knee replacement procedures by 20% in 2027, the OrthoForum warned. The alliance represents 96 independent orthopedic practices and more than 4,100 physicians nationally.
The group said the CMS calendar year 2027 Medicare Physician Fee Schedule proposed rule would apply the cut to procedures billed under CPT codes 27130 and 27447, covering total hip and total knee replacements. The proposed reduction follows an 8% cut to Medicare reimbursement for orthopedic joint replacement surgeons that took effect in 2026, according to a July 16 news release.
The group added that the proposal would reduce physician payment for the procedures even as CMS has proposed payment increases for hospitals and other facilities in 2027. OrthoForum said the widening gap could add financial pressure on independent orthopedic practices and threaten Medicare beneficiaries’ access to musculoskeletal care.
The proposed rule also would lower the Medicare Physician Fee Schedule conversion factor 1.19% for clinicians in qualifying alternative payment models and 1.68% for other clinicians in 2027, as a temporary 2.5% payment increase enacted for 2026 expires.
Comments on the rule are due Sept. 14. OrthoForum plans to submit formal comments to CMS and said it will continue evaluating the effects of Medicare payment reductions on independent physician practices, workforce stability and patient access to musculoskeletal care, according to the release.
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