Proposed Medicare changes: same-day care at risk in 2027
At Delaware Orthopaedic Specialists, our priority has always been providing you with the highest quality care to keep you moving, healthy, and pain-free. The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) recently released proposed federal rules for 2027 that outline deep funding cuts for physician reimbursements nationwide. As an independent orthopedic practice serving our community, we are working to stand up for our patients.
Act by September 14, 2026: CMS is required by law to consider public feedback before the rules are finalized.
While almost all physicians face small baseline reductions due to expiring federal funds, the government has targeted orthopedic surgery for the most aggressive cuts in the healthcare system. Orthopedic surgery faces an overall 7% specialty-level funding cut, making it the hardest-hit field in this proposal.
Total hip and total knee replacements are among the most successful, life-changing procedures in modern medicine. The proposed rule includes a reimbursement cut of up to 20% for joint replacement surgeries, making it increasingly difficult for local independent practices to absorb rising operational costs while maintaining top-tier surgical care.
The proposed rule includes a 50% payment cut for same-day services. Practices may be forced to absorb unsustainable losses or ask patients to schedule, travel to, and pay a copay for a separate second appointment for routine pain relief such as a cortisone injection.
Deep, compounding cuts threaten the ability of independent medical groups to maintain current staffing levels. This could lead to longer waits for appointments and specialized procedures and less face-to-face time with surgeons.
Healthcare policy should not compromise face-to-face time with your surgeon or force multiple, unnecessary trips to the clinic for routine, immediate pain relief.
Use this template to voice your concerns
Subject: Patient Concerns Regarding Proposed 2027 PFS Cuts to Orthopedic Care (Docket: CMS-2027-PFS)
As a patient, I am writing to express my serious concerns regarding the proposed 2027 Physician Fee Schedule rules. I am deeply concerned that the 7% specialty-level funding cut targeted at orthopedic surgery will directly harm patient access to timely, high-quality care.
Please reconsider these changes due to the severe impact they will have on patients:
Healthcare policy should protect timely and convenient care. I respectfully ask CMS to protect patient access to independent specialized care by withdrawing these proposed reductions.
Call or write to your federal representatives to let them know that these Medicare cuts could harm local healthcare access.
