Articles
CMS Final Rule Introduces ‘Efficiency’ Cut in 2026 Physician Fee Schedule
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) has released the 2026 Medicare Physician Fee Schedule (MPFS) Final Rule, effective January 1, 2026, introducing a new –2.5% “efficiency adjustment” that will reduce reimbursement for many surgical and procedural specialties.
NANS Urges Coverage for Peripheral Nerve Stimulation in Chronic Pain
The North American Neuromodulation Society (NANS) has joined seven national medical specialty societies in signing a joint letter urging Blue Cross Blue Shield of Illinois, Montana, New Mexico, Oklahoma, and Texas—as well as the Health Care Services Corporation—to revise their draft policy on implantable peripheral nerve stimulation (PNS) for chronic pain.
Physician Action Alert: Protect Access to RFA Procedures & Peripheral Nerve Blocks
Several Medicare Administrative Contractors (MACs) have released proposed Local Coverage Determinations (LCDs) that would classify peripheral nerve blocks and radiofrequency ablation (RFA) procedures—including genicular, shoulder, and hip—as “not reasonable and necessary.”
CMS Updates Medicare Claims Hold Guidance Amid Shutdown
Updated 10/21/25. CMS has directed Medicare Administrative Contractors (MACs) to lift the claims hold and process services dated October 1, 2025, and later under the Medicare Physician Fee Schedule, FQHC, and ground ambulance provisions.
CMS Shutdown: What Physicians Need to Know and Why Advocacy Matters
During the current federal funding lapse, CMS has confirmed that Medicare and Medicaid will continue. However, with reduced staffing and expired program extensions, physicians should prepare for significant disruptions.
NANS Voices Concerns on 2026 Medicare Physician Fee Schedule
The North American Neuromodulation Society (NANS) has submitted formal comments to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) regarding the proposed revisions to the 2026 Medicare Physician Fee Schedule (MPFS).
CMS Final FY26 IPPS Rule Preserves Payment Rates for RNS Cases
Last week, CMS issued the final rule for the Medicare Hospital Inpatient Prospective Payment System (IPPS) for fiscal year (FY) 2026.
NANS and Medical Societies Urge Aetna to Remove Barriers to PNS Access
NANS, joined by 11 leading medical societies, has sent a letter to Aetna urging the insurer to align its Medicare Advantage coverage policies for Peripheral Nerve Stimulation (PNS) with the existing National Coverage Determination (NCD 160.7).
Scam Alert: DEA Impersonation Targeting Medical Practitioners
The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) is warning medical professionals about a rise in scams involving fake letters and phone calls. Scammers are impersonating DEA agents and falsely claiming that practitioners are under investigation—often in an attempt to steal personal or sensitive information.
Senate Bill Adds 2.5% Physician Pay Increase After Advocacy from NANS and 70+ Physician-Led Organizations
Physicians may get a 2.5% Medicare payment increase in 2026, thanks to new language added to the Senate’s budget legislation—an important win for clinicians after sustained advocacy efforts.
NANS Joins Coalition Urging Senate to Reinstate Medicare Payment Reform in Budget Bill
The North American Neuromodulation Society (NANS), alongside more than 70 leading medical organizations, has signed a joint letter urging the Senate to include a key Medicare payment provision from the House-passed One Big Beautiful Bill Act (H.R. 1) in its upcoming legislative package.
NANS and Partner Societies Urge Carelon to Reconsider Restrictive SCS Policy
The North American Neuromodulation Society (NANS), alongside several leading medical societies, has submitted a formal letter to Carelon Medical Benefits Management in response to its recent policy denying coverage for spinal cord stimulation (SCS) in patients with non-surgical low back pain.