AAOS Raises Concerns on Proposed Medicare Fee Schedule Changes Impacting Orthopaedic Care

AAOS Raises Concerns on Medicare Fee Schedule Changes

The American Association of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS) has formally expressed its concerns in a letter to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) regarding the proposed 2027 Medicare Physician Fee Schedule (PFS). The letter outlines potential adverse effects of the changes on patient access and the financial viability of independent practices.

Key Issues Raised by AAOS

In the letter, the AAOS emphasized several critical points:
1. Maintaining Current Work Relative Value Units (RVUs): The association urged CMS to keep the work RVUs for essential services such as total shoulder, hip, and knee arthroplasties, alongside shoulder hemiarthroplasties at the levels set in 2026.
2. Withdraw Proposed Reduction in E/M Services: The AAOS strongly opposes the proposed 50% cut to separately identifiable same-day office visits and outpatient evaluation and management services.
3. Caution Against New Methodology Changes: They recommend that no further alterations to the practice-expense methodologies be made without thorough examination and understanding of their impacts on independent orthopedic practices.

The proposed reductions, coupled with years of stagnant payment updates and escalating practice costs, threaten the sustainability of independent orthopaedic practices. This could ultimately hinder their ability to provide timely and high-quality care to patients.

A Call for Action

To safeguard patient access and the future of orthopaedic care, the AAOS is rallying its members and working closely with policymakers. With over 5,000 letters sent to Congress and relevant agencies, their advocacy efforts are gaining momentum.

Dr. Wilford Gibson, President of AAOS, has stated in a recent interview that the current circumstances represent one of the most critical threats to the orthopaedic profession he has witnessed in his over three decades of practice. Such feedback highlights the urgency of the situation and the need for a collaborative approach to address these challenges.

Conclusion

The AAOS's advocacy underscores the organization's commitment to navigating these challenges diligently. As the CMS moves toward finalizing the PFS, the input from the orthopaedic community will continue to play a vital role in shaping policies that affect patient care and the landscape of orthopaedic practices. For further updates and to read the full letter, visit the AAOS advocacy page.