Countdown to 2021: Will You Choose Time or MDM for Your 2021 E/Ms? Here’s How to Decide.

Why This Topic Matters

Understanding the 2021 E/M selection approach helps practices apply the correct level methodology and support accurate reimbursement. The article is relevant for anyone reviewing office/outpatient E/M coding workflows and diagnosis coding in connection with those visits.

Article Sections

1. The Case

   Introduces a patient scenario involving multiple chronic conditions, prior fracture history, and review of outside records and test results. The scenario is used to frame the broader comparison of E/M selection approaches.

2. E/M Coding by Time

   Discusses one approach to selecting the office/outpatient E/M level based on encounter duration. The section shows how the visit is evaluated when time is the primary factor.

3. E/M Coding by MDM

   Discusses the same encounter from the perspective of medical decision making. The section focuses on the factors considered in assessing complexity for the visit.

4. ICD-10 Coding

   Reviews the diagnosis coding portion of the encounter and emphasizes the connection between E/M reporting and accurate ICD-10 selection. The section lists the diagnoses associated with the case.