With all of the conversations about Health Care reform many practices have taken their eyes off of the current happenings in Medicare.  2010 will prove to be a year full of changes and could very well have bills signed that transform Medicare/Medicaid like never before.

One of the important changes is beginning January 1, 2010, Medicare will no longer accept consultation codes.  Citing years of billing confusion related to the billing of consultation codes, CMS will require providers to bill all evaluation and management (E/M) services using the appropriate inpatient or outpatient visit codes.  The change is expected to be budget neutral because the money spent on consults will be used to increase payment for new and established E/M services.  However, many specialists who heavily bill consults will likely see a decrease in E/M reimbursement in 2010.