2026 PFS round-up: CMS quiet on dental updates, work RVU changes

Why This Topic Matters

The final Medicare physician fee schedule can affect reimbursement, billing workflows, and compliance planning across multiple settings. This roundup helps readers identify which 2026 policy updates may matter to their organization and where follow-up review of the full rule may be needed.

Article Sections

1. No dental coverage changes

   Discusses CMS’s handling of comments related to dental coverage and related Medicare policy considerations. Summarizes the general status of this topic in the final rule.

2. Work relative value units (RVU) remain the same

   Covers CMS’s final approach to work RVUs for newly effective and revised services in 2026. Also notes the related final-rule reference materials used to align temporary identifiers with reportable codes.

3. New GPCIs, GAFs

   Reviews the updated geographic practice cost index and geographic adjustment factor framework for 2026. Highlights the broad regional distribution of increases and decreases and the statutory timing of the update cycle.

4. Drugs and biologicals mixed on BFSFs

   Summarizes final-rule policy affecting drug and biological pricing-related submissions, bundled arrangements, and related manufacturer documentation. Notes several proposed standards that CMS did not finalize.

5. FQHC/RHC unbundling, telehealth flexes finalized

   Describes final policy changes affecting federally qualified health centers and rural health clinics, including selected service unbundling and telehealth-related payment flexibilities. Also covers related supervision and distant-site telehealth provisions.