The CMS refresh workflow keeps calculator data, imported counts, conversion factors, and public assumptions aligned before a new data year is used.
Source Checks
| Area | Source | Use |
|---|
| CPT/HCPCS | Imported CMS records | One code at a time or in bulk |
| Setting | CPT typical setting field | Facility and non-facility are distinct |
| Locality | CMS GPCI file and county mapping | Use the selected locality only |
| Conversion factor | 2026 CMS release assumptions | QPP and non-QPP differ |
Formula Checks
| Area | Rule |
|---|
| Relative value units | Keep Work, PE, and MP separate |
| Payment estimate | Apply locality and conversion factor after RVU lookup |
| Boundary | Validate payer, coding, and contract context separately |
Release Checklist
| Check | Expectation |
|---|
| Source file | CMS record is the reference point |
| Locality | County coverage and locality page agree |
| Payment | Estimate is checked against fixed assumptions |
| Follow-up | Move into the correct calculator before relying on the number |
Related Pages