08/27/2026
A knee replacement can cost tens of thousands of dollars—but how much of that do you think actually goes to the surgeon?
Here’s what makes the proposed 2027 Medicare changes particularly concerning: while physician reimbursement for hip and knee replacement faces a 20% proposed cut, Medicare hospital payments are being increased to account for rising costs and inflation. Hospitals have an annual adjustment designed to recognize increasing expenses. Physician practices do not have the same automatic inflation protection—and independent practices still have to pay rising salaries, rent, malpractice, technology, and other overhead.
This isn’t a debate about how much surgeons should make. It’s a question of whether we are creating a system where independent medical practices can sustainably care for Medicare patients. If reimbursement continues falling while expenses rise, at what point do more physicians reconsider Medicare participation. What does that mean for patient choice, wait times, and access to care?
