Navigate 2021 updates to chronic care management coding and COVID-19 billing

Why This Topic Matters

The topics covered can affect how services are reported, which policies apply to certain billing scenarios, and how organizations align documentation and reporting workflows with federal program updates. It is relevant for practices monitoring Medicare Physician Fee Schedule changes and other federal healthcare payment or interoperability updates.

Article Sections

1. 2021 Medicare Physician Fee Schedule overview

   Introduces the federal rulemaking context and the main policy areas addressed in the article. Summarizes the broad scope of Medicare payment and coverage updates discussed below.

2. Chronic care management and transitional care management

   Covers Medicare and CPT updates affecting chronic care management and transitional care management reporting. Discusses the related service categories and time-based reporting framework at a high level.

3. COVID-19 vaccines and specimen collection

   Summarizes changes related to COVID-19 vaccines, designated health services policy, and specimen collection coverage questions. Also addresses the broader Medicare treatment of related laboratory billing topics.

4. Bundled supply code and payment policy

   Describes CMS policy discussion around a temporary COVID-19-related supply code and its payment status under Medicare. Includes the agency’s position on bundling and non-payable treatment.

5. Medicaid Promoting Interoperability and quality reporting

   Reviews updates affecting electronic clinical quality measures and participation requirements for Medicaid Promoting Interoperability. Notes alignment with quality reporting concepts used in other federal programs.

6. Part B drug reevaluation and Cures Act/CEHRT changes

   Covers additional CMS drug pricing policy discussion and ONC-related certified EHR technology updates. Connects these changes to broader federal reporting and compliance programs.