Blogs

Over the past 25 years, Medicare physician reimbursement has fallen by approximately 33% after adjusting for inflation, even as the cost of delivering care has continued to rise. This widening gap threatens patient access to care, places increasing financial pressure on physician practices, and undermines the long-term sustainability of the physician workforce.  

Earlier this month, the House Committee on Appropriations marked up its fiscal year (FY) 2027 appropriations bill for the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). The House bill would provide $110.8 billion in discretionary funding for HHS, a reduction of $4 billion. 

On May 6, 2026, Representative Eric Burlison (R-MO) visited SSM Health Saint Louis University Hospital to learn how policy decisions impact surgeons—and the patients they serve. When lawmakers visit a hospital, advocacy becomes tangible. That was the case when Rep. Burlison toured SSM Health Saint Louis University Hospital alongside cardiothoracic surgeons Dr. Jen Vigneswaran, Dr.

As a surgical resident, I am trained to focus on what is immediately in front of me, the patient, the operation, the outcome. But stepping into a congressional office as part of STS's advocacy efforts offered a stark reminder: many of the factors that shape our patients’ outcomes are determined far beyond the walls of the operating room.

Last week, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) published the Fiscal Year (FY) 2027 Inpatient Prospective Payment System (IPPS) proposed rule. STS has compiled a summary of the rule’s key provisions affecting cardiothoracic surgery.