CMS finalized the national anesthesia conversion factor for 2020, and it may be "a letdown for millions of anesthesia providers across the country," said Anesthesia Business Consultants President and CEO Tony Mira.
Although CMS' proposed rule included a slight increase from this year's ACF, the final rule actually decreased the ACF for next year.
The 2019 ACF was set at 22.2730. In 2020, it will be 22.2016 instead of the previously proposed 22.2774.
"Of all the provisions set in stone by the Final Rule, this is the one that will undoubtedly cause the most consternation on the part of our clientele," Mr. Mira said. "Though admittedly a minimal change, we certainly don't like to see this figure heading in the wrong direction."
CMS' final payment rule for 2020 also contains changes regarding clinician roles, nerve injection reimbursement and documentation requirements. Click here for more information.
More articles on anesthesia:
4 new anesthesia partnerships, contracts
Orthopedic center uses new anesthesia method, $300 doses to cut opioid prescriptions in half
What Dr. Mary Dale Peterson aims to accomplish as ASA president — 3 insights