CMS Issues Updated Locale-Specific Anesthesia Conversion Factors

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) recently posted updated anesthesia conversion factors (CF). The unadjusted anesthesia CF increased to $21.52. 

As noted on the CMS website, “Medicare payment rates under the Medicare Physician Fee Schedule (MPFS) are set according to statutory criteria. The following 2012 MPFS payment rates are reflective of the CY 2012 Medicare Physician Fee Schedule Final Rule, which was published in the Federal Register on November 28, 2011, and the CY 2012 Medicare Physician Fee Schedule Final Rule Correction Notice, which was published in the Federal Register on January 4, 2012. These payment rates are based on current law, including the Middle Class Tax Relief and Job Creation Act of 2012 (MCTRJCA), which provides for a zero percent update through December 31, 2012. The MCTRJCA extends several provisions of the Temporary Payroll Tax Cut Continuation Act of 2011 (TPTCCA)."