CMS introduces a SDOH assessment, revives complexity of care add-on

Why This Topic Matters

These proposed changes could affect how practices document, report, and receive payment for care coordination and patient assessment activities tied to E/M visits. Readers need the article to understand the scope of the proposed services, the affected code categories, and the organizations commenting on the rule.

Article Sections

1. New SDOH assessment would boost patient care

   Introduces the proposed social determinants of health assessment service and discusses its general place in Medicare policy, including telehealth considerations and the types of screening domains involved.

2. An almost stand-alone code

   Explains the proposed reporting context for the new assessment in relation to other visit types and describes its optional use with certain encounters.

3. Complexity of care add-on returns to active status

   Summarizes the proposed status change for an existing E/M add-on service and notes related payer and stakeholder concerns.