EVALUATION & MANAGEMENT: No E/M Coding Changes Until 2006

Why This Topic Matters

E/M documentation and code selection affect many physician claims, so delays or revisions to policy can have broad billing and compliance impacts. Understanding the concerns behind the proposed changes helps coding and compliance teams anticipate future documentation requirements and audit expectations.

Article Sections

1. Clinical examples and implementation timing

   Introduces the proposed shift in E/M coding methodology and discusses the expected timing of implementation. The section frames the article around policy development and transition planning.

2. Auditability and subjectivity concerns

   Explains why the proposed approach raised concerns about consistency, reviewability, and compliance oversight. It addresses the need for a method that can be evaluated in a reliable and standardized way.

3. Need for a hybrid approach

   Describes the view that a workable future system may combine structured measurement with narrative scenarios. The section emphasizes the broader design challenge rather than specific coding outcomes.