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NewsThe American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS) is pushing back hard against CMS's proposed 2027 Medicare Physician Fee Schedule, calling the changes the most drastic in 30 years. The rule would slash reimbursements for common joint replacement surgeries by 20% and cut payments when multiple services are provided in the same visit. AAOS warns the cuts could severely limit patient access to care, especially in rural areas.
The American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS) is urging CMS to hit pause on its proposed 2027 Medicare Physician Fee Schedule, warning that the sweeping changes could be devastating for both surgeons and their patients. AAOS President Wilford K. Gibson, MD, called the proposals "large, serious, dangerous changes — the most we have seen in 30 years," and is pushing for a temporary hold to allow time for collaborative problem-solving with CMS.
The proposed rule targets two major areas: a 20% cut to relative value units (RVUs) for total knee, hip, and shoulder replacements, and reduced reimbursement when multiple services are delivered during the same office visit — with additional procedures or evaluations reimbursed at just 50%.
By the Numbers:
Why it matters: Private practice and rural orthopedic surgeons may not be financially viable under a 20% pay cut, potentially shrinking access to joint replacement care for millions of Medicare beneficiaries who depend on it most.
