Medicare Updates 2026: Fee Schedule and Impact on Radiology

Why This Topic Matters

The 2026 final rule affects how radiology services are reimbursed, how site-of-service policies are applied, and how radiology groups participate in Medicare quality programs. It helps practices understand the broad regulatory changes that may influence operations, reporting, and payment under Medicare.

Article Sections

1. 2026 Physician Fee Schedule Overview

   Introduces the final rule and summarizes its overall relationship to the proposed rule. It also frames the broad Medicare payment updates affecting radiology.

2. Conversion Factor Updates

   Discusses the annual fee schedule update structure and the final conversion factor results for different participation statuses. It also describes how the article positions these rates in relation to radiology practices.

3. Estimated Impact on Radiology Specialties

   Summarizes the published specialty-level impact estimates and notes that effects vary by setting. The section compares different radiology subspecialty categories at a high level.

4. Efficiency Adjustment

   Covers the final rule’s efficiency adjustment policy and the types of services affected or excluded. It also references analysis from a national physician organization.

5. Site of Service Adjustment

   Explains the broader shift in reimbursement emphasis between facility and non-facility settings. It also addresses how the policy interacts with radiology billing environments.

6. Geographic Practice Cost Indices (GPCIs)

   Reviews the geographic adjustment framework and the status of the work floor factor. The section explains the final rule’s treatment of geographic tables.

7. Supervision Requirements

   Describes the permanent extension of supervision flexibilities for certain diagnostic tests. It focuses on the use of telecommunications technology in physician office and IDTF settings.

8. Quality Payment Program

   Summarizes the 2026 quality reporting framework and radiology-related pathway updates. It includes MIPS, MVP, quality measures, improvement activities, and cost measures at a broad level.

9. Conclusion

   Recaps the overall direction of the final rule and its limited changes from the proposal. It also notes the article’s continued focus on radiology practice impact.