NCCI Predicts Minimum Effect From CMS Fee Schedule Changes

The National Council on Compensation Insurance said in a research brief that fee schedule changes made by the U.S. Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services are not likely to put upward pressure on medical costs. CMS in 2026 increased the conversion factor for physician services to $33.40 from $32.35, the first increase following five years of declines. NCCI said the 3.3% conversion factor increase was driven by a one-time 2.5% increase required by Congress. The increase in the physician conversion factor will impact the majority of physician services in states that incorporate it into the...