Group chat: CMS unveils group visit plan for chronic conditions

Why This Topic Matters

If finalized, the proposal could affect how practices organize, document, and evaluate group clinical visits for patients with chronic conditions.

Article Sections

1. Billing

   Introduces CMS’s proposed shared medical appointment service in the 2027 Medicare physician fee schedule. It also covers the agency’s stated rationale and practitioner perspectives on the proposal.

2. Group visits, not group education

   Describes the proposed clinical scope of shared medical appointments and the broad categories of care and discussion they may include.

3. Patient requirements and restrictions

   Discusses proposed patient participation, consent, confidentiality, clinical relationship, and chronic-condition considerations.

4. Tricky documentation requirements

   Covers CMS’s proposed expectations for patient-specific records and the possible inclusion of the service on the telehealth list. It also notes the opportunity to submit comments on the proposed rule.