The 2026 Evaluation & Management (E/M) Updates bring significant changes that impact coding accuracy, documentation integrity, and overall reimbursement across outpatient, inpatient, and specialty services. This program provides a clear, comprehensive breakdown of every major change introduced for 2026, using real‑world examples and CPT® guidance to ensure attendees walk away confident in applying the updated rules.
One of the most impactful updates is the continued shift away from history and examination as key determinants of service level. While still required when medically appropriate, these elements no longer drive code selection—placing even greater emphasis on Medical Decision Making (MDM) or total time. The program explores the nuances of this transition, including what constitutes pertinent history/exam and how to avoid under‑ or over‑documenting.
Attendees will gain detailed insight into “problems addressed,” data requirements, independent interpretation rules, and risk assessment across all MDM levels—from straightforward to high. This includes an in‑depth review of categories of data, appropriate use of independent historians, interpretation restrictions, and discussions with external providers. The presentation will also clarify appropriate documentation phrasing, such as wording required to support independent interpretation of diagnostic tests.
Important time‑based updates—including the shift from typical to minimum time and the inclusion of both face‑to‑face and non‑face‑to‑face work—are fully explained, along with updated 2024 time assignments for all codes. Additional sections will address remote physiological monitoring, treatment management codes, telehealth flexibilities, Appendix P/T changes, and updates to the conversion factor and efficiency adjustments.
Participants will leave prepared to accurately document, code, and report E/M services under the 2026 guidelines, improving compliance and supporting correct reimbursement.
Learning Objectives:-
This session addresses the updated E/M guidelines for 2026, focusing on documentation changes, medical decision‑making criteria, time‑based coding, and the correct application of diagnostic and management elements. Attendees will understand the problems addressed, hierarchy, data categories, risk stratification, and new telehealth and remote monitoring rules, allowing them to confidently code and document E/M services with accuracy and compliance.
Agenda:-
Highlights:-
Who Should Attend?
This program is ideal for:
Lynn Anderanin, CPC, CPB, CPPM, CPMA, CPC-I, COSC, has over 40 years of experience in all areas of the physician practice, specializing in Orthopaedics For AAPC Lynn is currently a VILT Instructor, Workshop, and Audio Presenter. She is the founder of her Local Chapter and a former member of the NAB....
Lynn Anderanin, CPC, CPB, CPPM, CPMA, CPC-I, COSC, has over 40 years of experience in all areas of the physician practice, specializing in Orthopaedics For AAPC Lynn is currently a VILT Instructor, Workshop, and Audio Presenter. She is the founder of her Local Chapter and a former member of the NAB. She is the Sr. Director of Coding Compliance and Education for Healthcare Information Services, a physician billing and consulting service in the Chicagoland, area. She has over 30 years of experience in all areas of the physician practice including Practice Administrator, Billing Manager, and Director of Operations. Her experience is primarily in the specialties of Orthopedics, Rheumatology, and Hematology/Oncology.
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