Contractor named for draft E/M vignettes, HCFA seeks your input

Why This Topic Matters

E/M documentation guidance affects how physician services are documented and interpreted across specialties. Understanding the status of the vignette project helps practices and coding professionals monitor potential changes and prepare for future guidance development.

Article Sections

1. Draft E/M vignettes and contractor selection

   Covers the government’s plan to develop specialty-specific E/M vignettes and the consulting firm chosen to work on the project. It also notes the general purpose of the vignettes within the draft guidance process.

2. Specialty society input and timeline concerns

   Describes the expected public meeting, the role of specialty societies, and differing views on the development timeline. It also summarizes comments about how the vignettes may be organized and reviewed.

3. Status of the broader draft E/M guidelines

   Summarizes HCFA’s reported activity on the draft E/M guidelines more broadly and the general tenor of public comments received. It provides context for where the vignette project fits within the larger guideline process.