HRS, ACC, and SCAI Publicly State Concerns with CMS 2026 MPFS
On July 14, 2025, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) released the proposed rule for the Calendar Year (CY) 2026 Medicare Physician Fee Schedule (MPFS). Together with the American College of Cardiologists (ACC) and the Society for Cardiovascular Angiography and Interventions (SCAI), the Heart Rhythm Society has issued the following Joint Statement.
WASHINGTON (Jul 15, 2025) - Today the presidents of the American College of Cardiology, Heart Rhythm Society and Society for Cardiovascular Angiography and Interventions made the following statement on the 2026 Physician Fee Schedule proposed rule from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services.
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“The 2026 Medicare Physician Fee Schedule proposed rule jeopardizes Medicare beneficiary access to high-value cardiovascular services that keep patients healthy and lower overall health care costs. Cutting reimbursements for procedures that reduce strokes, such as the 27% in the proposed rule to transcatheter left atrial appendage occlusion (LAAO), will only increase the risk of hospitalization and long-term disability for vulnerable patients. Indeed, stroke from atrial fibrillation is on the rise with the aging of our population, and LAAO procedures reduce stroke while eliminating blood thinners. Ensuring that clinicians have the necessary resources to provide these high-value services that also reduce the cost of long-term medications will both improve patient outcomes and stabilize Medicare payments.
The effect of this cut is mitigated by a 3.8% increase for qualifying alternative payment model (APM) participants and 3.3% for non-qualifying APM participants, including a 2.5% increase in reimbursement across the board for physician services for 2026 from the recent budget bill and a 2.5% decrease for most individual services that is redistributed as a positive update. This small reprieve follows years of conversion factor reductions. We stand ready to work with the Administration and Congress to address dramatic cuts to high-value procedures such as LAAO, and long-term Medicare payment issues to ensure that seniors maintain access to critical cardiovascular care.”
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Christopher M. Kramer, MD, FACC
President, American College of Cardiology
Mina K. Chung, MD, FHRS
President, Heart Rhythm Society
Srihari S. Naidu, MD, MSCAI
President, Society for Cardiovascular Angiography & Interventions
The American College of Cardiology (ACC) is a global leader dedicated to transforming cardiovascular care and improving heart health for all. For more than 75 years, the ACC has empowered a community of over 60,000 cardiovascular professionals across more than 140 countries with cutting-edge education and advocacy, rigorous professional credentials, and trusted clinical guidance. From its world-class JACC Journals and NCDR registries to its Accreditation Services, global network of Chapters and Sections, and CardioSmart patient initiatives, the College is committed to creating a world where science, knowledge and innovation optimize patient care and outcomes. Learn more at www.ACC.org.
The Heart Rhythm Society (HRS) is the international leader in science, education, and advocacy for cardiac arrhythmia professionals and patients and is the primary information resource on heart rhythm disorders. Its mission is to improve the care of patients by promoting research, education, and optimal healthcare policies and standards. Its vision is to end death and suffering due to heart rhythm disorders. Incorporated in 1979 and based in Washington, D.C., HRS has a membership of more than 9,600 heart rhythm professionals from 94 countries. For more information, visit www.HRSonline.org.
The Society for Cardiovascular Angiography & Interventions (SCAI), established in 1978, stands as the primary nonprofit medical society dedicated to representing invasive and interventional cardiology. SCAI's mission is to guide the global interventional cardiovascular community by fostering education, advocacy, research, and upholding standards for quality patient care. For more than 40 years, SCAI has exemplified professional excellence and innovation worldwide, cultivating a reputable community of over 5,000 members committed to advancing medical science and providing life-saving care for individuals, both adults and children, affected by cardiovascular disease. For more information, visit SCAI.org.