Story perspectives

CMS Ends Inpatient-Only Rule, Boosts Outpatient Surgeries

11/26/2025

Summary

Story summary

CMS finalized a rule to eliminate the Inpatient-Only list for 285 procedures, allowing more surgeries to be performed in outpatient settings.
The change aims to boost patient choice and reduce costs.
The American Hospital Association (AHA) warns site-neutral payment policies could compromise care for patients needing skilled nursing facility services after surgery and could strain stressed hospitals.
CMS maintains the reforms will improve care quality and transparency for Medicare beneficiaries.

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Story summary

CMS finalized a rule to eliminate the Inpatient-Only list for 285 procedures, allowing more surgeries to be performed in outpatient settings.
The change aims to boost patient choice and reduce costs.
The American Hospital Association (AHA) warns site-neutral payment policies could compromise care for patients needing skilled nursing facility services after surgery and could strain stressed hospitals.
CMS maintains the reforms will improve care quality and transparency for Medicare beneficiaries.