New data: High-level E/Ms still growing, more new patient visits billed

Why This Topic Matters

The article helps readers understand how CMS data can signal changing coding patterns and potential audit exposure in E/M billing. It is relevant for organizations monitoring documentation practices, utilization trends, and denial increases in office-based professional services.

Article Sections

1. CMS 2012 E/M utilization and denial data

   Introduces the CMS data release and frames the article’s focus on utilization and denial trends across office visit services.

2. Utilization trends for new and established patient visits

   Summarizes year-over-year movement in office visit volume and compares broader patterns between new and established patient services.

3. EHRs to blame?

   Presents commentary on documentation technology and its possible relationship to shifting visit levels and coding patterns.

4. Old is as good as new

   Discusses the relative volume of new versus established patient claims and the perceived value of coding differences between them.

5. Beware: More denials

   Reviews denial-rate changes, the impact of denials on claims volume, and compliance concerns raised in the article.