AMA releases checklist for coding evaluation/management office visits

Morgan Haefner -

The American Medical Association published a checklist to help physician practices adhere to new changes for coding and documenting evaluation/management office visits. 

Changes to coding and documentation guidelines for E/M office visits, which account for almost $23 billion in Medicare spending, aim to simplify the process for providers. Effective Jan. 1, 2021, some changes of the overhaul include eliminating history and physical exam as determinants of a visit's code level; letting physicians choose if their documentation is based on medical decision-making or total time; and modifying medical decision-making criteria to shift from adding up tasks to focusing on what tasks affect the management of a patient's condition.

The AMA included 10 points on its checklist. They are below:

  1.  Identify a project lead
  2.  Schedule team preparation time
  3.  Update practice protocols
  4.  Consider coding support
  5.  Be aware of medical malpractice liability 
  6.  Guard against fraud and abuse law infractions
  7.  Update your compliance plan
  8.  Check with your EHR vendor
  9.  Assess financial impact
  10.  Understand additional employer or payer or medical liability coverage requirements

More information on the changes can be found here.

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