A reminder for California providers: reimbursement increases for the workers’ comp Physician and Non-Physician Practitioner Fee Schedule become effective for all dates of service on or after March 1, 2026.

In addition to raising flat rates for California-specific ‘WC’ billing codes, the California Division of Workers’ Compensation (CA DWC) increased the Conversion Factor that determines physician reimbursement rates from $48.79 to $51.61. That translates to reimbursements at 154.51% (up from 150.84%) of the Medicare rates for the same services.

Unfortunately, history shows that some payers will inevitably fail to update their systems to reimburse your practice at the correct rates.

Non-daisyBill providers should adjust their systems and begin billing at the new rates for dates of service on or after March 1. To get the correct rates quickly and easily, we invite you to use the daisyWizard’s Fee Schedule Calculator (get a free three-day trial here).

As for daisyBillers, our billing software will automatically reflect the latest rates. A review of the changes is below!

CA OMFS Update: March 2026

The CA DWC released an update order and Newsline announcing the OMFS update earlier this month. The update includes:

• Higher flat rates for California-specific ‘WC’ billing codes
• The Conversion Factor increase
• Changes to the reimbursement calculation methods for certain billing codes
• Procedure codes that will be newly payable or no longer payable

Starting for all dates of service on or after March 1, our billing software will automatically apply the appropriate charges for all billing codes.

For non-daisyBill providers, updating your billing systems to reflect these changes is essential. Some payers (especially ones whose names rhyme with “Smedgwick”) have a consistent habit of neglecting to update their systems and pay at the appropriate rates.

Instant, Accurate Fee Schedule Calculations

To enjoy complete confidence in the accuracy of your reimbursement calculations, use daisyWizard’s Fee Schedule Calculator. In the example below, for a March 1, 2026, date of service, a hypothetical provider in Los Angeles County bills for:

• Evaluation and Management code CPT 99214
• California-specific code WC002 for the Physician’s Progress Report (PR-2)

The Wizard calculates that in this scenario, CPT 99214 pays $230.05 and WC002 pays $16.14.

In calculating accurate reimbursement, the daisyWizard doesn’t ask providers (or payers) to take our word for it; the Fee Schedule Calculator generates an in-depth summary with every detail of the calculation formula, from the Conversion Factor to Geographic Practice Cost Indices for the place of service and more.

For example, below are the calculation details for CPT 99214.

The same goes for WC002 (though the “calculations” aren’t complex for flat-rate California-specific codes).

daisyBill experts are here to answer any questions providers have about fee schedule calculations, whether or not they’re clients. Reach out using the pink chat icon in the bottom right of this screen or email us at info@daisybill.com.

Get instant, accurate fee schedule calculations. Try our Fee Schedule Calculator free for 3 days.

TRY THE CALCULATOR