Prepare for modest documentation changes, no modifier 25 cuts in 2019

Why This Topic Matters

The discussion helps practices gauge whether their documentation processes, EHR templates, and billing workflows may need adjustment for 2019. It also flags policy areas that could affect reporting patterns, compliance review, and beneficiary access considerations.

Article Sections

1. Overview of the 2019 E/M outlook

   Introduces the year’s expected changes for E/M services and explains which broader policy proposals were deferred. Sets up the article’s focus on documentation and reporting updates.

2. Reduce administrative tasks

   Summarizes CMS documentation streamlining related to charting workflow and record reuse. Discusses operational considerations for practices implementing the changes.

3. Responses swing from favorable to cautious

   Covers reactions from medical organizations and professional stakeholders to the documentation changes. Highlights differing views on the practical impact for practices.

4. E/Ms and modifier 25

   Reviews CMS’s decision not to move forward with a same-day service payment reduction proposal. Places the topic in the context of beneficiary access and duplicated resource concerns.

5. Home visits in the clear

   Describes a documentation change affecting reporting of home visit services. Notes the article’s discussion of home-visit coding in the Medicare context.