E/M Coding: What’s on the Horizon for E/M in 2021? Find Out

Why This Topic Matters

The article helps readers prepare for major E/M framework changes before they take effect, especially in areas that affect code selection, documentation expectations, and office visit level reporting. It is useful for organizations planning education, compliance review, and operational updates around outpatient E/M coding.

Article Sections

1. 99201 Will Go Away

   Discusses the anticipated removal of a new patient office visit code and the expected operational impact on routine coding and auditing. Includes commentary from coding and compliance professionals.

2. Expect History, Exam Component Removal, and MDM Revisions

   Covers the planned shift away from history and exam as key selection elements and summarizes the proposed updates to medical decision-making terminology. Addresses the broader documentation framework for office visit coding.

3. See How ‘Time’ Will Play a Part

   Explains the planned emphasis on total encounter time alongside medical decision making for selecting E/M levels. Notes the related change from typical time language to total time on the date of the encounter.