decisionhealth Newsletters, Coder Pink Sheets - 2020 Issue 7 (July)
2021 E/M changes: Decision time: Navigate revisions to levels of MDM amid coming E/M changes
Subscribe or sign in to view the full article.
Article Overview
This article explains the 2021 updates affecting office and outpatient E/M coding, including the shift in how service levels are determined and how documentation practices will need to adapt. It is aimed at coders, practice leaders, and clinicians who need to understand the general scope of the revisions, the types of documentation elements involved, and the implementation considerations for the transition. The discussion also touches on the broader CPT and CMS rulemaking context and the operational steps practices may need to take before the effective date.
Why This Topic Matters
The changes affect one of the most commonly used E/M code families and may alter documentation workflows, provider training, and internal audit preparation across many specialties.
Article Sections
-
Peering behind the scenes
Introduces the broader context for the upcoming E/M office/outpatient revisions and explains why the changes are being made. It also distinguishes the affected setting from other E/M categories.
-
Glimpsing the 2021 outlook
Summarizes the main structural updates expected in the 2021 CPT E/M framework. The section discusses changes to documentation emphasis, service-level selection, and the overall framework for office/outpatient visits.
-
Calculating MDM: A new frontier
Describes the revised medical decision-making framework and its major components at a high level. It outlines the general structure of the updated table and the types of factors that contribute to code selection.
-
Take steps to implement the change
Focuses on preparation for the transition, including workflow review, template updates, education, and audit planning. It also notes the operational need to align systems with the upcoming effective date.
What You Will Learn
- What the article says is changing in office/outpatient E/M documentation and code selection
- How the revised medical decision-making framework is organized at a high level
- Why practices may need to review templates, training, and auditing processes before the effective date
- What operational planning issues matter for providers and practice leaders during the transition
Who Should Read This
- Medical coders
- Coding auditors
- Practice administrators
- Physicians and other clinicians
- Compliance and revenue cycle staff
Codes Discussed
Code Ranges Discussed
Subscribe or sign in to view the full article.
Quick, Current, Complete - www.findacode.com