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CMS has proposed 2027 ambulatory surgery center payment changes that would reduce reimbursement for several high-volume ophthalmic procedures, including cataract surgery. The proposal remains under review as ophthalmology organizations evaluate potential impacts on practice operations and patient access.

CMS proposed 2027 Physician Fee Schedule changes that would reduce reimbursement for certain same-day evaluation and management services performed with procedures. Ophthalmology organizations warned the changes could affect glaucoma treatment workflows, although the proposal remains under review.

A new federal student loan rule classified nursing as a standard graduate degree rather than a professional degree, prompting congressional and legal challenges. The debate centers on graduate education access and potential workforce implications.

U.S. News & World Report released its 2026-27 cancer hospital rankings, with the top five cancer centers unchanged from the previous year. The rankings also introduced a new regional cancer hospital category that expands recognition beyond the national top 50.

The federal government has sharply reduced staffing and grant funding at AHRQ, the agency responsible for much of the nation’s healthcare quality and patient safety research. Supporters argue the cuts could affect future evidence generation, though the administration maintains it is restructuring agency priorities.

The Department of Defense announced annual testosterone-deficiency screening for service members aged 30 years and older, with optional testing for younger personnel. Clinicians have questioned whether broad population screening aligns with established diagnostic recommendations for hypogonadism.