Articles related to HEALTHCARE REFORM

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.

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.

A 553-respondent UK survey of cardiology resident doctors found that nearly one-third reported witnessing physician assistants performing procedures outside defined scope of practice, with earlier-stage trainees reporting the most negative impact on training opportunities.

The Main Street Pharmacy Access Act (H.R. 3164/S. 2426), which would authorize Medicare reimbursement for pharmacist-provided testing and treatment of flu, strep, RSV, and COVID-19 in states that already permit those services, cleared the House Committee on Ways and Means on May 21 with more than 110 congressional co-sponsors and support from over 170 organizations.

Falling Medicaid enrollment under the One Big Beautiful Bill Act is eroding the disproportionate share hospital percentages that determine 340B Drug Pricing Program eligibility at safety-net hospitals, according to a presentation at HOPA 2026.