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News
The American College of Rheumatology (ACR) is pushing back hard against proposed CMS payment cuts that could squeeze rheumatology practices and limit patient access to care. CMS has proposed a 50% payment cut for same-day evaluation and management visits paired with most procedures, plus a reduction in the 2027 Medicare conversion factor. The ACR warns these changes could delay care and force practices to close.
The American College of Rheumatology (ACR) is sounding the alarm over proposed federal Medicare payment cuts it says could seriously threaten the viability of rheumatology practices across the country. CMS floated a 50% payment cut for same-day evaluation and management (E/M) visits billed alongside most procedures — a move the ACR argues would penalize the complex "cognitive work" rheumatologists perform that goes well beyond any single procedure.
On top of that, CMS is also proposing a reduction in the 2027 Medicare conversion factor — the base dollar value used to calculate physician reimbursements. The ACR, joined by 24 other medical associations, sent a joint letter to Congressional leaders urging them to block the changes, warning they could force physicians to schedule E/M visits and procedures on separate days, creating delays and new barriers for patients with complex, chronic conditions.
By the Numbers:
Why it matters: If finalized, these cuts — set to take effect January 1, 2027 — could reduce access to rheumatologic care for patients with chronic diseases like lupus and rheumatoid arthritis, while further straining an already under-resourced specialty. The ACR is backing the Patients First Act as a long-term fix to stabilize physician reimbursement.
