Significant Updates to the Medicare Physician Fee Schedule for 2027

On July 15, 2026, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) introduced the proposed Medicare Physician Fee Schedule (MPFS) for 2027. This rule includes significant updates in speech-language pathology services, introducing new treatment codes poised to replace the current CPT code 92507 by January 1, 2027. The American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) has played a pivotal role in these changes, working alongside stakeholders, including practicing speech-language pathologists and the American Medical Association (AMA), to ensure the new codes align with contemporary professional practices.

This proposed rule incorporates the clinician work relative value units (RVUs) and practice expense inputs recommended by the AMA RUC Health Care Professionals Advisory Committee. Initially, CMS published incomplete data, leaving out RVU information for several new codes. After ASHA's notification, CMS provided a revised table with these details. Furthermore, CMS proposed a new HCPCS G code for pediatric services, a development unforeseen in prior ASHA discussions.

ASHA is closely reviewing the proposal and plans to submit formal feedback by the September 14, 2026, deadline, with the final CMS rule anticipated in the fall. ASHA will conduct a briefing on July 17 to discuss the proposed changes' implications with its members. These developments are crucial as the new code structure promises a more precise representation of services based on specific disorders and treatment needs.

Notably, the new codes are categorized by specific treatment areas, creating a clearer framework for reporting services. For example, treatments for fluency and speech sound disorders now have specific codes for both initial and additional time increments. This proposal acknowledges the unique nature of individual services, potentially enhancing the granularity of billing and reimbursement processes.

The impacts of these proposed changes extend beyond CMS's initial values, as broader Medicare policies and adjustments may influence final payment amounts. Therefore, ASHA advises members to stay informed through official updates and refrain from premature conclusions until a comprehensive analysis is conducted.

CMS's decision-making process will continue to incorporate public feedback, ensuring the proposed fee schedule sufficiently addresses the complexity of healthcare service delivery. ASHA encourages active member participation in this process to achieve outcomes that best support the profession and its practices.