2006 code changes: Confirmatory and follow-up inpatient codes to disappear from 2006 CPT codes

Why This Topic Matters

The article helps readers identify which E/M service categories are changing and why those changes matter for reimbursement, compliance, and day-to-day claim selection. It is especially relevant for practices that bill consults, inpatient follow-up services, or nursing facility visits.

Article Sections

1. Overview of the 2006 E/M changes

   Introduces the scope of the upcoming E/M revisions and the general billing impact on consult-related and nursing facility services.

2. Confirmatory consult changes

   Discusses the retirement of the confirmatory consult family and the broader transition away from that reporting category.

3. Follow-up inpatient consult changes

   Covers the elimination of the follow-up inpatient consult family and the related shift in how inpatient E/M services may be reported.

4. Denial rates for confirmatory and inpatient follow-up consults 2004

   Presents historical claims and denial-rate data for the affected consult categories.