AAOE Member Brings Orthopedic Practice Concerns Directly to CMS Leadership

AAOE member and Athens Orthopedic Clinic CEO Michael Boblitz recently met with Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services Administrator Dr. Mehmet Oz to discuss proposed changes to Medicare physician reimbursement for 2027 and the impact those changes could have on independent orthopedic practices.

The conversation focused on physician reimbursement, the financial sustainability of independent practices, and opportunities to encourage care delivery in lower-cost settings. U.S. Representative Mike Collins also participated in the meeting.

According to Athens Orthopedic Clinic, the proposed 2027 Medicare fee schedule would increase reimbursement for hospital inpatient, ambulatory surgery center, and hospital outpatient services while reducing physician reimbursement by approximately 1.2%. Certain same-day services could see larger reductions, and reimbursement for joint replacement surgery could decrease by approximately 20%.

Boblitz shared concerns about the long-term effect continued reductions could have on independent physician practices and discussed several potential approaches, including extending the temporary 2.5% Medicare payment adjustment, expanding incentives for care delivered in physician offices and ambulatory surgery centers, and reconsidering how Medicare Part B funding is allocated.

Conversations like these show the importance of practice leaders bringing firsthand operational and financial perspectives into healthcare policy discussions. Decisions surrounding reimbursement can directly affect how orthopedic practices operate, where care is delivered, and their ability to continue serving patients.

AAOE appreciates members who take the time to represent the realities facing orthopedic practices and help ensure those perspectives are part of the conversation.

Read the full article from Athens Orthopedic Clinic:
https://athensorthopedicclinic.com/aoc-ceo-michael-boblitz-meets-with-cms-administrator-dr-mehmet-oz-to-address-proposed-medicare-physician-cuts/