Benchmark of the Week: NP vs. PA E/M level selection, 2009-2010

Why This Topic Matters

It helps readers understand how E/M level selection patterns differ between nurse practitioners and physician assistants and how CMS policy changes can affect utilization comparisons. This context can support benchmarking, compliance review, and reporting analysis for non-physician practitioner services.

Article Sections

1. Overview and data context

   Introduces the benchmark question and explains the CMS claims data context used for the comparison. It also notes how non-physician practitioner services appear in the data source.

2. 2010 CMS consult coding change

   Summarizes the 2010 policy change affecting consult reporting and its relationship to the E/M visit data discussed in the article. The section frames the broader utilization shift analyzed in the benchmark.

3. Breakdown

   Reviews comparative patterns in E/M level selection for new and established patient services across the two practitioner groups. It highlights broad differences in utilization mix and the change from 2009 to 2010.

4. Takeaways

   Presents the article’s high-level interpretation of the benchmark results and their connection to wider E/M trends. It also places the observed patterns in the context of the 2010 coding change.