Today, CMS released the CY 2026 Medicare Physician Fee Schedule (PFS) Final Rule. Consistent with requirements established in the Medicare Access and CHIP Reauthorization Act of 2015 (MACRA), CMS finalized the following two conversion factors (CFs) for 2026:
- $33.5675 for items and services furnished by Qualifying APM Participants, which reflects a 3.77-percent increase relative to the 2025 CF
- $33.4009 for other items and services, which reflects a 3.26-percent increase relative to the 2025 CF
This results in an estimated 2-percent increase for podiatry overall. Thanks to the advocacy efforts of APMA and its members, Congress also provided a 2.5-percent payment increase for 2026 in the One Big Beautiful Bill, bringing the total increase to podiatrists, on average, to more than 4 percent, depending on practice mix.
Of additional note for our members, the final rule also includes the following updates:
- Advocacy WIN: Arthrodesis RVUs! CMS finalized an increase in Work RVUs (wRVUs) to CPT 28750 and CPT 28755. The wRVU for CPT 28750 is currently 8.57 and will increase to 8.75, and the wRVU for CPT 28755 is currently 4.88 and will increase 7.50. These increases are a direct result of recommendations made by the AMA/Specialty Society RVS Update Committee (RUC), in which APMA is actively involved to represent our members' interests.
- Skin Payment Policy: For CY 2026, despite APMA's objections, CMS finalized a new skin substitute payment policy that will result in payment for skin substitutes furnished in outpatient settings of $127.28 per square centimeter starting in 2026. While APMA appreciates concern from CMS about increasing reimbursement for skin substitutes and that reform is necessary, APMA found that the CMS proposal had significant flaws that will cause unintended consequences for patients with wounds and the physicians who treat them. APMA again urges CMS and Congress to work with stakeholders to develop a more reasonable and sound payment methodology that protects access to skin substitutes for Medicare beneficiaries.
APMA is actively reviewing the over 2,000-page final rule and will provide additional information. Contact the APMA Advocacy Department with any questions or concerns.