ACOG warns of quality, cost losses ahead of planned 2021 E/M changes

Why This Topic Matters

The article explains why a broad E/M reimbursement update may affect maternity care differently from standalone office visits and why that distinction matters for obstetric practices, payer contracting, and access to care.

Article Sections

1. ACOG’s concerns about the 2021 E/M changes

   Overview of ACOG’s meeting with CMS and the organization’s concerns about the planned changes to office visit payment and maternal care access.

2. Medicare, Medicaid, and budget neutrality effects

   Discussion of how the policy may affect Medicare payment patterns, broader payer behavior, and potential implications for Medicaid-supported obstetric care.

3. Global maternity bundles and fee schedule impact

   Explanation of the article’s focus on maternity bundles, fee schedule adjustments, and the comparison of projected payment levels across years.