12/10/2025
The Medicare Inpatient-Only List elimination timeline has accelerated. Starting January 1, 2026, CMS is removing 285 musculoskeletal and spine codes, creating immediate financial risks for hospitals. Human Medical advises revenue cycle teams to overhaul clinical documentation protocols now to prevent inpatient claim denials. The protective wall for inpatient billing ends completely by January 1, 2028.
Read the full CMS 2026 Final Rule analysis by scaning the code.