Comment on CMS-2026-2377-0001

Please oppose the proposed CMS cuts to Modifier 25. These reductions would have a significant impact on small, independent practices like the one I work in and would make it more difficult for us to provide efficient, high-quality patient care. Modifier 25 allows physicians to evaluate and manage multiple concerns during a single visit. In dermatology, this is especially important because patients often present with both medical issues and procedures that can be appropriately addressed at the same appointment. Reducing reimbursement for these services will ultimately change how care is delivered. Many Medicare patients will need to return for separate visits to address concerns that could have been managed during one appointment. This creates unnecessary delays in diagnosis and treatment, increases overall healthcare costs, and adds an extra burden for patients—many of whom are older adults with transportation or mobility challenges. It is also concerning that physician reimbursement continues to decline while hospitals and insurance organizations continue to see increases. This growing imbalance places additional strain on independent practices and encourages further consolidation into large health systems, without improving efficiency, reducing costs, or enhancing the patient experience. Patients deserve timely, comprehensive care—not fragmented care spread across multiple visits. I urge you to oppose the proposed cuts to Modifier 25 and support fair physician reimbursement that preserves access to efficient, high-quality care for Medicare patients.