ACC, HRS and SCAI Concerned by LAAO Cuts, Optimistic About Temporary Reimbursement Increases in Proposed Physician Fee Schedule

WASHINGTON (Jul 15, 2025) – Today the presidents of the American College of Cardiology, Heart Rhythm Society and Society for Cardiovascular Angiography and Interventions made the following statement on the 2026 Physician Fee Schedule proposed rule from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services.

“The 2026 Medicare Physician Fee Schedule proposed rule jeopardizes Medicare beneficiary access to high-value cardiovascular services that keep patients healthy and lower overall health care costs. Cutting reimbursements for procedures that reduce strokes, such as the 27% in the proposed rule to transcatheter left atrial appendage occlusion (LAAO), will only increase the risk of hospitalization and long-term disability for vulnerable patients. Indeed, stroke from atrial fibrillation is on the rise with the aging of our population, and LAAO procedures reduce stroke while eliminating blood thinners. Ensuring that clinicians have the necessary resources to provide these high-value services that also reduce the cost of long-term medications will both improve patient outcomes and stabilize Medicare payments.

The effect of this cut is mitigated by a 3.8% increase for qualifying alternative payment model (APM) participants and 3.3% for non-qualifying APM participants, including a 2.5% increase in reimbursement across the board for physician services for 2026 from the recent budget bill and a 2.5% decrease for most individual services that is redistributed as a positive update. This small reprieve follows years of conversion factor reductions. We stand ready to work with the Administration and Congress to address dramatic cuts to high-value procedures such as LAAO, and long-term Medicare payment issues to ensure that seniors maintain access to critical cardiovascular care.”

Christopher M. Kramer, MD, FACC
President, American College of Cardiology

Mina K. Chung, MD, FHRS
President, Heart Rhythm Society

Srihari S. Naidu, MD, MSCAI
President, Society for Cardiovascular Angiography & Interventions

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About the Heart Rhythm Society

The Heart Rhythm Society is the international leader in science, education, and advocacy for cardiac arrhythmia professionals and patients and is the primary information resource on heart rhythm disorders. Its mission is to improve the care of patients by promoting research, education, and optimal healthcare policies and standards. Incorporated in 1979 and based in Washington, D.C., it has a membership of more than 9,000 heart rhythm professionals from 94 countries. For more information, visit www.HRSonline.org.

About the American College of Cardiology

The American College of Cardiology envisions a world where innovation and knowledge optimize cardiovascular care and outcomes. As the professional home for the entire cardiovascular care team, the mission of the College and its 54,000 members is to transform cardiovascular care and to improve heart health. The ACC bestows credentials upon cardiovascular professionals who meet stringent qualifications and leads in the formation of health policy, standards and guidelines. The College also provides professional medical education, disseminates cardiovascular research through its world-renowned JACC Journals, operates national registries to measure and improve care, and offers cardiovascular accreditation to hospitals and institutions. For more, visit acc.org.

About the Society for Cardiovascular Angiography & Interventions

The Society for Cardiovascular Angiography & Interventions (SCAI), established in 1978, stands as the primary nonprofit medical society dedicated to representing invasive and interventional cardiology. SCAI’s mission is to guide the global interventional cardiovascular community by fostering education, advocacy, research, and upholding standards for quality patient care. For more than 40 years, SCAI has exemplified professional excellence and innovation worldwide, cultivating a reputable community of over 5,000 members committed to advancing medical science and providing life-saving care for individuals, both adults and children, affected by cardiovascular disease. For more information, visit SCAI.ORG.