CLP 2023: Cracking the Code: A Guide to 2023 E/M Coding Updates

Accurate documentation and coding of patient care is essential for both individual Consultation-Liaison (CL) psychiatrists and CL service lines in the current healthcare environment. Productivity and value are often determined by Current Procedural Terminology (CPT)-based billing via conversion to relative value units (RVUs). For individual psychiatrists, RVUs can determine salary, bonuses, or protected time. For service lines, RVUs can help justify retaining staff resources or strengthen proposals for expansion.
Unfortunately, evidence indicates physicians lack proficiency in this area.

Frequent changes to medical coding are an additional barrier to obtaining and maintaining this skill. Though meant to reduce administrative burden on physicians, the 2023 CPT codes include significant changes to evaluation and management (E/M) codes for a wide range of services applicable to CL psychiatrists, including inpatient, consultation, emergency, nursing facilities, homes and residences (AMA 2023).This workshop aims to help CL psychiatrists in all career stages and practice settings improve their understanding of the 2023 changes to E/M coding requirements and the potential impact on their work.