Countdown to 2021: Get Your GI Practice Ready for the 2021 E/M Overhaul

Why This Topic Matters

The changes described affect some of the most commonly reported gastroenterology services and may alter how practices document and select office and outpatient E/M codes in 2021.

Article Sections

1. Be Ready to Say Farewell to 99201

   This section discusses the upcoming removal of a low-level office and outpatient E/M code and the impact on new patient visit code selection for gastroenterology practices.

2. Prepare for New Time-Based Coding Guidelines

   This section covers the shift toward time-based E/M reporting, the broader concept of total time on the date of service, and documentation expectations tied to that approach.

3. MDM Guidelines Shift

   This section outlines changes to the language used in medical decision-making criteria and the documentation considerations associated with those revisions.