Medicare and Medicaid Programs; CY 2026 Payment Policies Under the Physician Fee Schedule and Other Changes to Part B Payment and Coverage Policies; Medicare Shared Savings Program Requirements; and Medicare Prescription Drug Inflation Rebate Program
CMS Proposes 2026 Medicare Physician Pay Updates, Tightening Rules on Part B Drug Price Penalties
Key Points
Impact Analysis
Personal Impact
Life & Work
Locum tenens physicians and other clinicians who work across multiple settings benefit from the permanent expansion of telehealth flexibility, including simplified telehealth service list criteria and the ability to provide virtual direct supervision for most non-surgical services. These changes make it easier for physicians to work remotely and across geographic areas, supporting flexible practice arrangements.
Programs
Disabilities
Related News
2 articlesCMS finalizes increased pay rates for physicians in 2026, but hospital docs could lose out
CMS finalized a 2026 pay rule increasing physician reimbursement by 3.77% for value-based providers and 3.26% for others. While top-line rates rise due to the 'One Big Beautiful Bill Act,' new efficiency adjustments and site-of-service payment changes may result in net cuts for hospital-based docs.
CMS Releases CY 2026 Medicare Physician Fee Schedule Final Rule
The final rule confirms that beginning in 2026, Medicare will use separate conversion factors for clinicians in Advanced APMs ($33.57) versus others ($33.40). It also clarifies ASP reporting for drugs sold at a Maximum Fair Price and updates the Medicare Prescription Drug Inflation Rebate Program.
Source Information
Document Type
Federal Rule
Official Title
Medicare and Medicaid Programs; CY 2026 Payment Policies Under the Physician Fee Schedule and Other Changes to Part B Payment and Coverage Policies; Medicare Shared Savings Program Requirements; and Medicare Prescription Drug Inflation Rebate Program
Data Sources
Analysis generated by AI. Always verify with official sources.