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| AAOS comments on the CY 2026 Medicare Physician Fee Schedule proposed rule
On Sept. 12, AAOS submitted comments to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) on the calendar year (CY) 2026 Medicare Physician Fee Schedule proposed rule. AAOS welcomes the first positive update to the conversion factor in six years, but the rate remains historically low and inadequate to address mounting financial pressures on healthcare practices. In its comments, AAOS urged CMS to avoid the proposed 50% cut to indirect practice expense relative value units for facility-based services, revisit budget neutrality assumptions for G2211, and withdraw the flawed –2.5% “efficiency adjustment.” AAOS also opposed the Ambulatory Specialty Model for low back pain due to concerns with attribution, scoring, and applicability, calling on CMS to collaborate on a better alternative. Finally, AAOS supported clarifying Qualified Clinical Data Registry readiness for Merit-Based Incentive Payment System (MIPS) Value Pathway participation beginning with the 2026 performance period. |
AAOS comments on the CY 2026 Hospital OPPS/ASC proposed rule
On Sept. 12, AAOS submitted comments to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) on the calendar year (CY) 2026 Hospital Outpatient Prospective Payment System (OPPS) and Ambulatory Surgical Center (ASC) proposed rule. AAOS supported the proposed 2.4% ASC payment update, permanent use of the hospital marketbasket methodology, and exclusion of the 2% 340B offset from ASC rate setting. AAOS also endorsed broader complexity adjustments and creation of a new Level 7 Musculoskeletal Ambulatory Payment Classifications to ensure accurate valuation of advanced orthopaedic procedures. AAOS strongly opposed eliminating the inpatient-only list for all musculoskeletal procedures without sufficient evidence, urging CMS to preserve physician discretion and clarify the “two-midnight rule” exceptions for Medicare Advantage. Additional recommendations included safe expansion of the ASC covered procedures list, timely coverage of innovative devices, unbundled payment for nonopioid pain therapies, and aligned quality reporting. |
AAOS Orthopaedic PAC at NOLC
This year’s AAOS National Orthopaedic Leadership Conference (NOLC) combined Fall Meeting concluded with a reception hosted by the AAOS Orthopaedic PAC (OrthoPAC) team to celebrate the champions advocating for orthopaedic surgeons in Congress. The reception recognized two members of Congress who have consistently introduced or supported legislation that aims to improve musculoskeletal care. The Congressional Bipartisanship Award from AAOS was presented to Reps. Tom Suozzi (D-NY) and Morgan Griffith (R-VA). As a member of the House Ways & Means Committee, Suozzi has elevated the concerns of orthopaedic surgeons, cosponsoring three AAOS-endorsed pieces of legislation this year. Griffith serves on the House Committee on Energy & Commerce C and was the primary sponsor of the Physician Led and Rural Access to Quality Care Act (H.R. 2191), which seeks to repeal the ban on physician-led hospitals.
This year was also significant as it marked the 10-year anniversary of the AAOS OrthoPAC Advisor’s Circle, which provides leadership and political advocacy opportunities for orthopaedic group practices and specialty societies. Reception attendees — including several members of Congress, such as Senator and former orthopaedic surgeon John Barasso, MD (R-WY) — embodied the bipartisan, collaborative spirit at the heart of OrthoPAC. AAOS members were able to voice concerns directly to their legislators and understand the health policy landscape heading into 2026.
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