December 2020

CT Ortho News: New E/M Codesin Jan.,Support Medicare Payment Bill,2021 Dues&MD Profile

OrthoNews & Updates December 2020  2021 CPT Coding Changes In Effect January 2021 Important E & M Changes & Other Updates The most extensive of the CPT changes, effective January 1, 2021, are related to E & M for new and established patients (codes 99202-99205 and 99212-99215). In addition to these changes, new guidelines, new codes have been added and several deleted with respect to the care and treatment of orthopaedic patients. The recent AAOS article in AAOS Now provides additional information on the changes (https://www.aaos.org/aaosnow/2020/oct/managing/managing03/) In addition, please review this brief overview of the E & M new and established patient codes that has been provided for you and your billing and coding staff. Special thanks to Integrated Physicians Management Services, Inc., www.ipmscorp.com and phone: 860-282-4124, for sharing this helpful overview and summary of the changes. Relief from Medicare Payment Cuts COS Joins AAOS in Support of Key Legislation The COS joined the efforts spearheaded by the AAOS in support of federal legislation, HR. 8702, The Holding Providers Harmless from Medicare Cuts During COVID-19 Act of 2020. The legislation would provide relief payments to alleviate any Medicare reimbursement differences from payment cuts which are expected to take effect January 1, 2021, including a 5% cut for orthopaedic surgical services plus an additional 5% cut for hip and knee replacements.  The letter thanked the cosponsors of this critical legislation and affirmed the support of the orthopaedic communities. The AAOS is requesting members take action and reach out to their U.S. House of Representatives asking them to cosponsor H.R. 8702.   Take Action Today! Please click here to contact your representative today. Visit the New COS Website Update Your "Find a Surgeon" Profile The COS is pleased to launch the newly revised COS website. Visit www.ctortho.org today for timely updates, membership renewal and directory of surgeons* and be sure to update your profile. *Please note that this area of the website is for current members (2020 dues paid) of the Connecticut Orthopaedic Society. Once logged in, members will have the ability to request a password and manage their directory listing on our “Find a Surgeon” page and to renew your membership. If you wish to join/renew, you can do so online and create your profile. Any questions, comments, concerns, please contact Susan Schaffman. For more information, please contact your MACI representative, Allison Honeyman. E: ahoneyman@vcel.com C: (860) 919-0615.