Anesthesia Conversion Factor

An anesthesia conversion factor is a dollar amount used in the calculation of allowable payment for anesthesia services. This factor, often determined for specific localities, is used in the formula to compute the total fee amount for anesthesia care, which is generally calculated as (Base Units + Time [in units]) x Conversion Factor. A single conversion factor is typically applied to all qualified anesthesia practitioners, whether they are physicians or non-physicians.

The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) and other payers publish these conversion factors annually for use with specific CPT codes for anesthesia services (e.g., 00100 to 01999). It is important to note that the anesthesia conversion factor is distinct from the relative value unit (RVU) conversion factor used for other physician services. The value of the conversion factor can vary based on locality, as well as whether the provider is participating or non-participating with Medicare.