AMA clears it up: Medical necessity drives the E/M level

Article Overview

This article discusses an AMA clarification about evaluation and management (E/M) coding, with emphasis on how medical necessity, the presenting problem, and the traditional E/M components relate to level selection. It is aimed at coders, billers, physicians, and compliance-oriented staff who work with E/M documentation and need to understand the broader guidance being discussed by the AMA and CMS. The article also places the clarification in the context of CPT Assistant commentary and practical discussion for specialty practices.