Orthopedic billing denials are rising in the second half of 2026 mainly because of three converging forces: the CY 2026 Medicare Physician Fee Schedule’s efficiency adjustment and practice expense cuts, sharper OIG scrutiny of modifier 25 use, and expanding prior-authorization requirements for implant-heavy and device-based procedures. Practices that haven’t updated their coding and documentation workflows […]
Why Are Orthopedic Billing Denials Getting Worse in the Second Half of 2026?









