New rules for next year: 4 takeaways from CMS’ 2026 Physician Fee Schedule

Becker's Healthcare November 17, 2025
In collaboration with Coronis Health

On October 31, 2025, CMS finalized its 2026 Physician Fee Schedule, outlining payment updates, telehealth changes, behavioral health expansions and adjustments affecting clinicians across care settings.

A November 5 Coronis Health blog post details what Medicare physicians can expect heading into the new year and which shifts may carry long-term implications.

Here are four takeaways:

1. New conversion factors

For the first time, Medicare will use two separate conversion factors, one for qualifying Advanced APM participants and one for all other clinicians.

• The qualifying APM conversion factor will rise to $33.57, a 3.77% increase over 2025.
• The nonqualifying APM conversion factor will increase to $33.40, up 3.26%.

CMS also finalized required updates to geographic practice cost indices...

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