Justify high-level E/M billing in light of OIG coding trends report

Why This Topic Matters

The report and follow-up response may lead to increased review of practices that bill a high share of higher-level E/M services. The article helps readers understand the compliance environment surrounding E/M documentation, internal auditing, and electronic record pitfalls.

Article Sections

1. OIG report and CMS response

   Summarizes the federal report on E/M billing trends and the resulting discussion about contractor review priorities. It also notes the response from CMS and the specialties highlighted in the article.

2. More notes in light of OIG’s report

   Provides additional context about the report’s implications, including the absence of specific fraud findings and the reaction from specialty leaders and CMS.

3. 2 tips to justify E/M selection

   Outlines broad documentation and internal compliance practices that practices can use to support E/M level selection. It also discusses electronic health record features that may affect coding review concerns.

4. Official resource

   Lists the referenced government report and source link for readers who want to consult the original material.