Understanding E/M: Prepare for modest documentation changes, no modifier 25 cuts in 2019

Why This Topic Matters

Even modest E/M policy changes can affect documentation workload, EHR templates, billing workflows, and payer alignment. Practices need to know which changes are optional, which may require operational updates, and which policy proposals were deferred.

Article Sections

1. 2019 E/M outlook

   Introduces the overall policy environment for E/M services in 2019 and describes the mix of finalized changes and deferred proposals.

2. Reduce administrative tasks

   Summarizes documentation-related changes in the Medicare physician fee schedule and discusses operational considerations for practices and EHR systems.

3. Responses swing from favorable to cautious

   Describes reactions from medical organizations and summarizes general support and concerns raised about the documentation changes.

4. E/Ms and modifier 25

   Covers CMS’s decision not to implement a proposed same-day E/M payment reduction and the broader policy discussion around it.

5. Home visits in the clear

   Explains the article’s discussion of home visit reporting and the final rule’s effect on documentation expectations for those services.