Under 2021 guidelines, auditors can’t penalize practices that code based on time

Article Overview

This article discusses 2021 evaluation and management office visit coding for practices and billing staff, focusing on the choice between time-based coding and medical decision-making. It summarizes guidance and commentary from AMA symposium participants and Medicare contractor medical directors about how auditors review documentation, what kinds of documentation support are expected, and how practices may structure their coding approach. The piece is relevant to coders, billing teams, compliance staff, and clinicians who document office visits.