Medicare program; uniform relative value guide for anesthesia services furnished by physicians--HCFA. Final rule

We are establishing a relative value guide for use in all carrier localities in making payment for anesthesia services furnished by physicians under Medicare Part B. This final rule implements section 4048(b) of the Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1987. The relative value guide is designed to ensure that payments using the guide do not exceed the amount that would have been paid absent the guide. This final rule also implements section 6106 of the Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1989. Section 6106 revises the method under which time units are determined for anesthesia services furnished by anesthesiologists or certified nurse anesthetists on or after April 1, 1990.