WASHINGTON, DC (Sept. 14, 2026) – CAP President Qihui “Jim” Zhai, MD, FCAP, released the following statement about the College of American Pathologists’ comments to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) on the 2027 Medicare Physician Fee Schedule (PFS) proposal:
“Pathologists diagnose cancer and many other serious diseases, providing critical information that guides treatment and patient care. In our comments, we urge CMS not to advance proposed payment changes that could sharply reduce Medicare reimbursement for pathology services based on analyses that do not fully reflect the complexity of pathology practice.
“These services are essential to patients, physicians, and the health care system. Additional reimbursement cuts could undermine access to timely, accurate diagnostic services and affect the pathology practices and laboratories that provide them. Any future changes to reimbursement should follow the established, clinically informed review process and be informed by physician expertise and meaningful stakeholder input to avoid unintended consequences for patient care.”
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About the College of American Pathologists
As the world’s largest organization of board-certified pathologists and leading provider of laboratory accreditation and proficiency testing programs, the College of American Pathologists (CAP) serves patients, pathologists, and the public by fostering and advocating excellence in the practice of pathology and laboratory medicine worldwide. For more information, visit the CAP Newsroom, CAP.org and yourpathologist.org to watch pathologists at work and see the stories of the patients who trust them with their care.