February 6, 2008

 

2008 unadjusted conversion factor: $19.97

ASA is pleased to announce that the 2008 unadjusted Medicare anesthesia conversion factor will be $19.97 per unit, up from $16.19 in 2007.  This positive payment update is a culmination of a multi-year effort by ASA to convince both the RUC and CMS that Medicare payments to anesthesiologists were inadequate.  ASA members also deserve much credit for inundating CMS with positive comment letters supporting the proposed increase earlier this year.

ASA members should be advised that, unless Congress intervenes, all of medicine will see a 10.1 percent Medicare payment cut due to the SGR beginning on July 1, 2008.  The cut was scheduled to take effect on Jan. 1, 2008, but P.L. 110-173 replaced the cut with the short-term 0.5 percent increase.

ASA members are strongly encouraged to contact their Representative and Senators through the Capitol Switchboard, (202) 225-3121, to ask for permanent, meaningful Medicare payment reform and a fix for the Medicare anesthesiology teaching rule.  Please check www.ASAhq.org frequently for updates and action alerts.

See attached list for locale-specific conversion factors