Keep track of time to seize payment for new add-on codes to preventive services

Why This Topic Matters

The article is relevant because it affects how practices track time, report prolonged preventive service add-ons, and recognize which preventive encounters may qualify under the updated Medicare framework.

Article Sections

1. Introduction to the new preventive service add-on codes

   Introduces the 2018 Medicare update and the general purpose of the new prolonged service add-on reporting pathway for preventive encounters.

2. CMS final rule context and payment intent

   Summarizes CMS’ rationale for creating the new reporting opportunity and the broader payment context described in the final rule.

3. Time tracking and valuation for preventive encounters

   Describes how CMS assigned time values to covered preventive services and why careful time tracking is relevant for these encounters.

4. Applying the add-on codes to preventive services

   Discusses the relationship between the preventive service time values and the new add-on reporting framework, including the general timing concept used in the article.

5. CMS valuation table for 18 preventive services

   Presents the list of Medicare-covered preventive services referenced in the article and their associated typical time values.

6. Split the codes among services

   Addresses reporting of extra time when multiple preventive services occur during the same encounter and summarizes CMS’ clarification on cumulative time.