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Advocating for Timely Medicare Care: Physicians Voice Concerns to Congress

On September 30, 2026, a delegation of physicians and patient advocates gathered on Capitol Hill to confront lawmakers about urgent changes proposed to Medicare payment policies. Their primary message emphasized the importance of maintaining support for same-day care services, which play a critical role in providing timely access to medical treatments for seniors.

The meeting was organized by the American Academy of Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery (AAO-HNS). One of the noteworthy speakers, Dr. Eugene Brown III, shared a poignant story that encapsulated the implications of the Medicare payment proposal.

Dr. Brown, who specializes in otolaryngology (ear, nose, and throat) care, referenced a particular patient case that resonated with his colleagues. This 66-year-old South Carolina woman, seeking relief from severe sinus symptoms, prioritized seeing Dr. Brown due to his capability of delivering comprehensive diagnostics and potential treatments all in one visit. With scanning, imaging, and the necessary equipment available on-site, Dr. Brown was able to perform a CT scan and biopsy, promptly diagnosing her with cancer and facilitating immediate treatment.

The patient herself described her situation succinctly, underscoring how critical timely care is during such distressful circumstances. "I was suffering with the pressure and pain. To me, timely care means being seen quickly and having a doctor who has resources to act. Everyone should feel like the first priority,” she stated, emphasizing the need for immediate responses in medical care.

The issue arises from a proposed change that would affect the way same-day services are billed under Medicare. According to the new policy, the highest-valued service would be fully reimbursed, while any additional services provided during the same visit would only receive partial payment. This change has raised alarms among healthcare providers.

More than 15 physicians under the AAO-HNS banner participated in what was called the Same Day Care Coalition’s Advocacy Day. Their goal was to urge Congress to retract the problematic payment structure. The feedback they gathered from a staggering survey of over 1,400 otolaryngologists revealed deep concerns regarding the repercussions of this proposal on both patient care and medical practices. Over 67% of the surveyed practitioners warned that this payment model could lead to a decreased capacity to see Medicare patients, while 14% indicated that they might entirely stop accepting Medicare. Such shifts in practice could result in longer wait times and significantly limit referral options for patients needing specialized care.

Dr. Brown expressed a sense of urgency regarding the situation, admitting that the proposed changes kept him awake at night worrying about the implications for seniors’ access to doctor visits. The potential for increased financial strain on medical practices, particularly in rural areas where healthcare access is already tenuous, adds another layer of complexity to this discussion.

Dr. Rahul K. Shah, executive vice president and CEO of AAO-HNS, reiterated that the necessity of same-day care hinges primarily on the patients' needs for swift responses and fewer trips to various medical offices. Stressing the compassion at the core of the medical profession, Dr. Shah noted, "When time matters, Medicare should clear the way, not stand in it."

The AAO-HNS represents around 13,000 healthcare professionals engaged in treating conditions of the head and neck, striving to ensure that patients receive not only quality care but also timely intervention. Their advocacy serves to highlight the pressing need to preserve access to medical services that can significantly impact the well-being of seniors and other vulnerable populations.

As the deadline for the proposal's potential implementation draws closer, the Same Day Care Coalition continues to push for transparency regarding data that substantiates the proposal and a thorough assessment of its effects on patient care. The collective voice of these healthcare advocates aims to resonate with Congress, urging lawmakers to prioritize the health and wellbeing of their constituents, particularly those relying on Medicare for their healthcare needs.