Proposed physician fee schedule: E/M in flux: Key documentation changes loom, payment boost anticipated

Why This Topic Matters

The proposed updates could change how office E/M encounters are documented and reported while also affecting payment levels across common visit types. Practices that bill these services need to understand the scope of the changes to prepare workflows, documentation training, and revenue expectations.

Article Sections

1. Overview of proposed Medicare physician fee schedule changes

   Introduces the proposed CMS changes affecting office and outpatient E/M services and places them in the context of the 2021 transition timeline.

2. Documentation and E/M reporting framework

   Summarizes the proposed shift in office visit documentation structure and the general reporting approach tied to office E/M services.

3. Medical decision-making revisions

   Describes the broad focus of the updated medical decision-making framework and its role in office/outpatient E/M selection.

4. Proposed payment changes

   Covers the anticipated payment effects associated with the revised office visit valuation approach and related Medicare updates.

5. Add-on E/M code and prolonged care updates

   Discusses the addition of a new office/outpatient add-on service concept and the proposed replacement of prolonged services coding.