Unraveling E&M 2023 Code Changes: Impact and Implications on Healthcare

August 9, 2023
James Kent

 

The world of healthcare coding is evolving with the new Evaluation and Management (E&M) 2023 code changes. After nearly 25 years, these E&M code changes promise to reduce the administrative burden for physicians and coders while refining patient care. The shift underlines the healthcare sector’s commitment to streamlining processes, improving efficiency, and emphasizing medical decision-making over paperwork. These improvements come on the heels of exciting new healthcare technology advancements critical to enhancing ROI.

What does this overhaul mean for practitioners, coders, patients, and the healthcare ecosystem?

Michelle Dawn Mooney, the host of the RCM Chat Podcast by AGS Health, spoke with Leigh Poland, Vice President, Coding Service Line at AGS Health, and Lingaraja Prabhu, Executive Director, Coding, at AGS Health, about this significant transformation. In this episode, they discuss the recent E&M code changes and their impact on various stakeholders.

Key conversation points include:

  • Significant changes in E&M 2023 guidelines compared to the previous ones from 1995 and 1997
  • The transition journey from previous guidelines to the 2023 version and its effect on denial management and post-submission audits
  • The benefits of the new guidelines for physicians, coders, and patients and the challenges they pose

Leigh Poland brings vast experience and strategic insights into the changing coding landscape to her role as Vice President of the Coding Service Line for AGS Health. Lingaraja Prabhu leverages his rich industry knowledge to simplify complex coding changes and their impact.

Recent Episodes

personalized solutions
View episode

The healthcare industry faces unprecedented challenges, with workforce shortages pushing hospital labor costs to over 60% of total expenses. This strain is compounded by rising burnout rates among healthcare providers, particularly nurses. A recent AMN Healthcare survey revealed that nurses are prioritizing well-being and flexibility in 2024, underscoring the urgent need for personalized solutions…

independent physicians
View episode

As healthcare systems continue to consolidate, independent physicians are facing unprecedented challenges in maintaining their viability. Rising operational costs, shifting value-based care metrics, and payer pressures are squeezing independent doctors more than ever before. Nearly 80% of physicians are now employed by hospitals, health systems, or corporate entities, up from previous figures of 60%,…

staffing
View episode

Staffing challenges in healthcare continue to grow, with burnout and workforce shortages creating increasing pressures on hospitals and healthcare facilities. The current staffing solutions are often seen as inefficient, with traditional agencies taking large cuts, and clinicians feeling underpaid. According to the American Hospital Association, workforce shortages remain one of the top challenges for…