CMS Physician Fee Schedule

Over the last 30 days, CMS has solidified its commitment to value-based care through the introduction of several mandatory payment models, including the *Ambulatory Specialty Model* starting January 1, 2027, which will financially hold outpatient specialists accountable for managing chronic conditions like heart failure and low back pain. Additionally, the launch of the *ASPIRE* pediatric pay model aims to enhance care for high-risk children under Medicaid and CHIP, marking a significant structural shift in how care is delivered to vulnerable populations. These developments, coupled with CMS's emphasis on incorporating more providers into value-focused models, demonstrate a clear strategic positioning toward improving population health management and increasing accountability within the Medicare ecosystem. For more details, see the recent articles on CMS' ambulatory specialty payment model and the ASPIRE pediatric payment model.