3 details you must know to bill revenue-boosting wellness visits

Why This Topic Matters

The proposed policy describes a new preventive service with significant Medicare revenue implications and specific documentation and billing expectations. Understanding the scope of the proposal helps practices prepare for implementation and comment on the rule while it is still open for review.

Article Sections

1. Overview of the proposed annual wellness visit

   Introduces the proposed Medicare preventive service and explains that it is part of the 2011 Physician Fee Schedule discussion. The section frames the article around payment, coverage, and general implementation considerations.

2. Codes and reimbursement value

   Discusses the planned coding structure and the associated payment approach for the new wellness visit service. It compares the proposal with existing evaluation and management visit concepts.

3. Clinical requirements

   Summarizes the broad categories of information collection, screening, assessment, and planning expected for the visit. It focuses on the types of elements CMS proposes for documentation and prevention planning.

4. Billing rules and differences from Welcome to Medicare

   Covers timing, eligibility, and coordination with other Medicare preventive visit types. It also notes proposed same-day billing considerations and the relationship to established Medicare visit policies.