New rule will create barriers to patient care.

ROCKVILLE, Md., Nov. 4, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- The American Podiatric Medical Association (APMA) is deeply concerned by the decision from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) to move forward with a 20% reduction in payment for certain same-day services beginning January 1, 2027. When an office/outpatient evaluation and management (E/M) visit is billed with modifier 25 alongside a 0-day global procedure, the highest-paid service remains fully paid, while other applicable services receive the reduction. The policy applies to services furnished by the same physician or physicians of the same specialty in the same group practice. The arbitrary cut, which was included in the Medicare Physician Fee Schedule (MPFS) final rule released today, will harm practices and restrict patient access to needed care.

While the 20% reduction is less severe than the 50% cut in the proposed rule released this summer, it will have an impact on practices and patients. CMS has acknowledged that the policy would disproportionately affect podiatry. Podiatrists, physicians and surgeons who treat the foot and ankle, frequently treat multiple conditions in one episode of care, including potentially life- and limb-threatening conditions such as diabetic foot ulcers.

APMA has advocated vigorously against this proposal since its release, both individually and as part of the Same Day Care Coalition with other medical specialties and patient organizations. These cuts, in combination with rising costs and inadequate payment updates, may force practice closures. Solo, small, and rural practices will be especially vulnerable to closure or consolidation, threatening the podiatry workforce and patients' access to care. Most importantly, the CMS policy threatens patients' ability to receive essential foot and ankle care in a single visit. For patients with diabetes, delays in evaluation and treatment could increase the risk of serious complications, including infections and amputations.

"We are disappointed that CMS chose to move forward with any payment cuts despite clear and consistent warnings from physicians across specialties and their patients," said APMA President Patrick DeHeer, DPM. "This policy threatens access to medically necessary same-day care, particularly for patients in rural and underserved communities. APMA unequivocally condemns cuts that limit or delay essential foot and ankle care, putting seniors' health, mobility, and independence at risk."

APMA has shared its concerns directly with CMS, the Trump Administration, and lawmakers on Capitol Hill since the proposed rule was released this summer. Thousands of patients, podiatrists, and podiatric medical students joined the effort and sent messages to their legislators and regulators. APMA will continue to work closely with our partners in the Same Day Care Coalition to urge Congress to halt implementation of this rule.

The American Podiatric Medical Association (APMA) is the nation's leading professional organization for today's podiatrists. Doctors of Podiatric Medicine (DPMs) are qualified by their education, training, and experience to diagnose and treat conditions affecting the foot, ankle, and structures of the leg. APMA has 53 state component locations across the United States and its territories, with a membership of more than 11,000 podiatrists. All practicing APMA members are licensed by the state in which they practice podiatric medicine. For more information, visit www.apma.org.

Elisabeth Campbell, MPS
ecampbell@apma.org
301-581-9222

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SOURCE American Podiatric Medical Association