Facility-based split/shared visits: Here’s what is known of Medicare’s final rule

Why This Topic Matters

The rule affects which practitioner reports a split/shared visit, how facility E/M services are attributed, and how practices document and report these encounters under Medicare. Understanding the policy helps organizations prepare for changes tied to the 2022 fee schedule and related CMS implementation guidance.

Article Sections

1. Overview of the 2022 split/shared policy

   Introduces the Medicare final rule for facility-based split/shared visits and summarizes the general reporting changes for 2022. It also notes the settings and encounter types addressed by the policy.

2. Calculating the substantive portion

   Describes the broad approaches discussed for determining which practitioner bills the encounter. The section focuses on documentation and attribution concepts tied to the substantive portion of the visit.

3. Time-based billing considerations

   Explains the article’s discussion of time-based reporting for split/shared visits and the types of activities involved in that approach. It also addresses how time may be tracked and how reporting is attributed.

4. Key component billing in 2022

   Summarizes the temporary 2022 option related to a key component of the visit and the article’s comparison of 2022 and later policy. The section also includes the article’s discussion of how this option relates to different E/M families.

5. Implementation and CMS guidance

   Covers the article’s discussion of CMS clarification, manual updates, and the expected effective date for operational use. It highlights the transition from final rule language to claims-processing guidance.