Get paid for more of providers’ ‘cognitive work’ with new E/M codes – in 2017

Why This Topic Matters

The piece highlights a potential new reimbursement stream for work that is often performed between visits but not separately paid today, making it important for practices that manage complex patients and chronic care. It also signals broader Medicare movement toward valuing coordinated care and related administrative/cognitive efforts.

Article Sections

1. Medicare proposal for additional E/M payment options

   Introduces the planned reimbursement changes and the expected timing for future Medicare action. It frames the discussion around additional payment recognition for care coordination-related work.

2. Examples of care coordination-related cognitive work

   Describes broad categories of non-visit work Medicare is considering and notes the types of activities mentioned in the article. It also includes discussion of comments from physician and industry representatives.

3. Comment process and policy structure

   Summarizes the general framework Medicare described for any future add-on codes and the opportunity for stakeholders to submit comments. It also places the proposal in the context of broader reimbursement change.