Countdown to 2021: Code This Case Study, Keep Next Year's Office and Outpatient E/Ms On the Level

Why This Topic Matters

It helps readers gauge whether their current E/M coding processes may produce different results under the revised office and outpatient framework, which can affect compliance and financial forecasting.

Article Sections

1. The Note

   Presents the patient scenario, relevant symptoms, exam findings, diagnosis, and treatment context used for the comparison.

2. E/M Level Per 2020 Guidelines

   Reviews how the case is evaluated under the existing office and outpatient E/M framework, including the major documentation elements considered.

3. Levelling Under 2020 Time Guidelines

   Explains the role of time under the current rules and how it relates to the encounter’s overall level.

4. What Happens to the Same Scenario on Jan. 1, 2021?

   Compares how the same case is approached under the updated office and outpatient E/M framework and discusses the broader implications of the change.

5. The Bottom Line

   Summarizes the expected operational impact of the revised guidance and the need for monitoring and audit planning.