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Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan Raises Anesthesia Conversion Factor June 25, 2004 – Beginning July 1, 2004, anesthesiologists in Michigan will see an increase in the per unit rate for all professional anesthesia services, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan (BCBSM) announced this month. In addition, Michigan’s number one carrier will begin using the 2004 Medicare Resource-based Relative Value Scale for all relative value unit-priced procedure codes for date of service on and after July 1. The decision aligns BCBSM with Medicare in terms of reimbursement allowances and will mean an average increase for physicians and anesthesiologists across the state. Currently, all relative value unit-priced procedure codes are based on 2003 values. Professional organizations around the state have lobbied for these changes in the way BCBSM looks at physician fees, asserting the need for consistency with Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) policies. In East Michigan, the anesthesia conversion factor will increase by $2.00. West Michigan will see a $1.50 raise. The following table charts actual conversion factors over the past three years:
For other BCSM information visit the official website. |
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