Getting paid: CMS releases anesthesia conversion factors

Why This Topic Matters

Anesthesia reimbursement is affected by national and locality-specific conversion factors, so this update can change expected payment amounts across service areas. The article also highlights a new participation-based distinction that affects how providers are grouped for the 2026 factor schedule.

Article Sections

1. 2026 anesthesia conversion factors take effect Jan. 1

   Introduces the 2026 anesthesia payment update and the timing of implementation. Summarizes the general CMS policy change affecting anesthesia reimbursement.

2. Locality-specific conversion factor table

   Presents a locality-by-locality table with geographic adjustment data and corresponding anesthesia conversion factors. The section is organized for reference across states, metropolitan areas, and rest-of-area groupings.

3. Resource

   Points to the CMS source file containing the 2026 anesthesia conversion factor data.