ACR Releases Detailed Summary of FY2026 IPPS Final Rule

ACR® compiled a detailed summary of radiology-relevant topics included in CMS‘ federal fiscal year (FY) 2026 Hospital Inpatient Prospective Payment System (IPPS) final rule released July 31. This rule provides updates to payment rates and policies for inpatient hospitals and long-term care hospitals. CMS pays for acute care for inpatient stays under the IPPS.

CMS finalized a 2.6% update from FY2025 and estimates this will translate to an increase of $5 billion in operating and capital payments to IPPS hospitals. The agency estimates additional payments for inpatient cases involving new medical technologies will increase by approximately $192 million in FY2026, driven by the approval of several new technology add-on payments. These changes take effect Oct. 1.

For more information or if you have questions, contact Kimberly Greck, ACR Senior Economic Policy Analyst.