In the final rule, CMS also tweaked coding and documentation requirements for Medicare billing, changes that are expected to save providers 2.3 million hours annually, the agency said. DATES: Also in 2021, CMS will begin transitioning clinicians from its current Merit-Based Incentive Payment System (MIPS) program to the newly established MIPS Value Pathways (MVP) framework. In one of the final rule’s most significant changes, CMS adopted coding changes and payment increases for evaluation management (E/M) codes effective in 2021. On November 1, 2019, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) released the 2020 final Physician Fee Schedule (PFS) rule (CMS-1715-F), which includes Evaluation and Management (E/M) coding updates, telehealth expansion, treatment and payment for opioid use disorder, and additional flexibility to address care management services. The final rule for CY21 Medicare physician payment will boost evaluation and management service payments while cutting rates for services provided by many specialty physicians. ACTION: Final rule and interim final rule; Correction. 12/17/2020 1 1 Medicare and Evaluation and Management Changes for 2021 New Rules for Choosing the Right E/M Code Presented by Evan M. Gwilliam, DC MBA BS CPC CCPC QCC CPC-I MCS-P CPMA CMHP AAPC Fellow Clinical Director evan.gwilliam@paydc.com Dr. Evan Gwilliam • Education • Bachelor’s of Science, Accounting - Brigham Young University The changes will take effect on Jan. 1, 2021, to allow time for provider education, changes to workflow, and updates to EHRs and systems. Changes to Evaluation and Management (E/M) Services in 2021. CPT® Evaluation and Management | American Medical Association The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) have always been clear about their goal to reduce the everyday burden placed on physicians, and following that goal, they have determined a final rule for changes that will align E/M coding with the AMA CPT Editorial Panel for office/outpatient E/M visits. These changes originally were finalized in the CY 2020 PFS final rule. Through its CY 2021 Physician Fee Schedule (PFS) proposed rule, CMS proposes to implement several sweeping changes to the current framework and reimbursement for evaluation and management (E/M) CPT codes. Evaluation and Management (E/M) Visits. CMS finalized its revised approach to billing for evaluation and management (E/M) visit codes. This Informational Bulletin (CIB) (PDF, 58.46 KB) describes CMS’ intent to use enforcement discretion related to the managed care final rule, particularly for new requirements that are applicable for rating periods for contracts beginning on or after July 1, 2017. SUMMARY: This document corrects technical errors in the final rule that appeared in the December 28, 2020, Federal Register under the same as title above. Finalized Policy, Payment, and Quality Provisions Changes to the Medicare Physician Fee Schedule for Calendar Year 2020. Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), HHS. Hereinafter, the December 28 rule is referred to as the CY 2021 PFS final rule. On Nov. 1, 2019, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) finalized a historic provision in the 2020 Medicare Physician Fee Schedule Final Rule. The final rule: retained five levels of coding for established patients