Advocacy groups push for reform in physician payment models
Advocacy groups push for reform in physician payment models
Medical societies and patient advocates are currently calling for major reforms to the traditional <span class="annotated" data-start="89" data-end="119" data-value="fee-for-service (FFS) system">fee-for-service (FFS) system</span> in the United States.
They argue that this outdated model, which pays doctors per individual service, is driving a sustainability crisis.
Since 2001, physician payments have struggled to keep pace with inflation, leaving many practices financially unstable.
Furthermore, the <span class="annotated" data-start="317" data-end="360" data-value="Merit-based Incentive Payment System (MIPS)">Merit-based Incentive Payment System (MIPS)</span> has created heavy administrative burdens that often hurt small and rural clinics more than they improve care.
To address these issues, a coalition of stakeholders is lobbying Congress to transition toward <span class="annotated" data-start="636" data-end="663" data-value="Alternative Payment Models (APMs)">Alternative Payment Models (APMs)</span>.
Key proposals include linking payments to the Medicare Economic Index to account for inflation and simplifying regulatory frameworks.
As patient access faces threats from doctor shortages and budget cuts, reform has become a critical priority for the 2026 legislative session.
