On September 4 in support of the physician-led hearing healthcare team and patients we collectively serve, IHS submitted a comment in opposition to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) in response to the proposed rule, “Medicare and Medicaid Programs: Calendar Year 2027 Payment Policies under the Physician Fee Schedule and Other Changes to Part B Payment and Coverage Policies; Medicare Shared Savings Program Requirements; and Medicare Prescription Drug Inflation Rebate Program.”
Under the proposal, for physician visits, including otolaryngologists, CMS would implement a policy that would pay 100% for the highest-valued service, then cut payment by 50% for additional services performed during the same encounter. This would likely lead to increased follow-up appointments, costing patients more time and copays for the same service related to hearing health, while reducing access.
IHS remains concerned about any federal regulation that increases costs and time, and reduces access for patients seeking to resolve hearing issues. IHS will continue to work with the American Academy of Otolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery to ensure additional burdens are not placed on patients.
