When looking at Medicare payment rates, one needs to consider two perspectives. The first is the conversion factor (CF) or the dollar-per-unit rate. This might be considered the MACRO point of view. The second is the base units or relative value units (RVUs) assigned at the individual CPT® code level – the MICRO point of view. This month's column describes how each of these contribute to Medicare payments and provides suggestions on how you can help at both levels.
One challenge for all of medicine – and anesthesia in particular – is that Medicare payment rates do not even keep pace with inflation. This fact can be clearly demonstrated by a review of information found in reports that the Medicare Payment Advisory Commission (MedPAC) submits to Congress. MedPAC issues reports to Congress in March and June of each year. The two reports serve as the main means by which...
