Midyear Federal Advocacy Update - August 2026-Midyear Federal Advocacy Update [Replay]

Video Transcription

Video Summary

The AAOE Mid-Year Federal Advocacy Update covered current congressional dynamics, Medicare policy changes, and ways members can advocate for orthopedic practices. Claire Ertz explained that Congress faces key deadlines at September 30 for government funding and year-end for healthcare extenders, with election outcomes likely shaping healthcare priorities in 2027. Major committee activity is underway on prior authorization reform, Medicare Advantage, and physician payment reform.<br /><br />The webinar focused heavily on the 2027 Medicare Physician Fee Schedule. Proposed changes include a lower conversion factor, major RVU reductions for high-volume orthopedic procedures such as hip, knee, and shoulder replacements, and an estimated overall negative impact of about 8.9% for orthopedic surgery. CMS also proposed major restrictions on remote therapeutic monitoring and remote patient monitoring, new rules for same-day global period E&M billing, practice expense methodology changes, and a future phaseout of traditional MIPS after 2028.<br /><br />Claire also discussed mandatory CMS models such as the Ambulatory Specialty Model for chronic low back pain and the CJRX inpatient joint replacement model. She encouraged members to submit comments, join advocacy efforts, and contact legislators during August recess. The session ended with Q&A on reimbursement cuts, comment letter strategies, and the likelihood of congressional healthcare action before year-end.

Keywords

AAOE

Federal Advocacy

Medicare Physician Fee Schedule

Orthopedic Surgery

CMS Policy

Prior Authorization Reform

Medicare Advantage

Physician Payment Reform