ROCKVILLE – – November 05, 2026 -- The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) will cut payment by 20% for certain same-day services starting January 1, 2027, according to the Medicare Physician Fee Schedule (MPFS) final rule, drawing opposition from the American Podiatric Medical Association (APMA).
Modifier 25 claims face reduction when billed with 0-day global procedures
The reduction applies 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 is still paid in full, while the other applicable services take the cut. The policy covers services furnished by the same physician, or physicians of the same specialty, in the same group practice.
CMS softens its proposal from 50% to 20% but acknowledges outsized impact on podiatry
The final cut is smaller than the 50% reduction in the proposed rule released this summer. CMS has acknowledged the policy would disproportionately affect podiatry, according to APMA. Podiatrists often treat multiple conditions in a single episode of care, including potentially life- and limb-threatening problems such as diabetic foot ulcers.
APMA warns of closures among solo, small and rural practices
APMA says the cuts, combined with rising costs and inadequate payment updates, may force practice closures. It identifies solo, small and rural practices as most vulnerable to closure or consolidation, which would strain the podiatry workforce. The association also argues that the policy threatens patients' ability to receive foot and ankle care in one visit. For patients with diabetes, delayed evaluation and treatment could raise the risk of infections and amputations.
APMA President Patrick DeHeer, DPM, said the group is "disappointed" that CMS moved forward with any payment cuts despite warnings from physicians across specialties and their patients.
Same Day Care Coalition shifts its focus to Congress
APMA has lobbied CMS, the Trump Administration and lawmakers on Capitol Hill since the proposed rule appeared. It has worked individually and through the Same Day Care Coalition, which includes other medical specialties and patient organizations. Thousands of patients, podiatrists and podiatric medical students sent messages to legislators and regulators. APMA and its coalition partners will now urge Congress to halt implementation of the rule.