A Statement on Physician Fee Cuts

APMA acknowledges the importance of the recently passed continuing resolution to avoid a government shutdown. However, we are profoundly disappointed that the resolution failed to address the imminent physician fee cuts under the Medicare program—a decision that leaves health-care providers across the country feeling disheartened, undervalued, and deeply concerned about their ability to sustain care for patients.

For podiatric physicians and surgeons, these cuts are not just numbers on a spreadsheet; they represent a growing strain on practices that are already grappling with rising costs and increasing patient demand for care. Podiatric physicians and surgeons play a critical role in the health-care system, providing essential services to millions of Americans, particularly seniors and those managing chronic conditions such as diabetes. Many providers are now faced with the impossible choice of cutting back services and delaying investments in practice resources needed to provide care and access to patients.

Providers feel the weight of these decisions, not only professionally but personally. Their commitment to patient care is unwavering, yet this lack of action from policymakers signals a troubling disregard for the essential role doctors play in the health-care system.

APMA calls on Congress to take urgent action to halt these devastating cuts and establish a more sustainable payment model for all providers. Our members are dedicated to delivering high-quality, specialized care that improves patient outcomes and reduces long-term health-care costs. To do so, they must have the financial stability to maintain their practices and focus on what matters most: their patients.

APMA remains committed to advocating for solutions that support podiatric physicians and surgeons and the broader health-care community in delivering high-quality care to all Americans. We urge legislators to hear our voices and those of the communities we serve. Addressing this issue is not just about dollars and cents—it is about preserving the trust, compassion, and care that are the cornerstones of our health-care system.