Benchmarking E/M Services

Having trouble using the most recent Part B Utilization data file from CMS? You’re not alone. Lots of people are upset about the non-friendly .pdf version of the file this year. The gurus at Wolters-Kluwer heard your concerns and converted the file to the Excel format for easier use.

To access the file, go to Coding Guidance on the left navigation bar of the Coding and Revenue Resource Center. Click on Evaluation and Management Services Guidelines in the CodeEdits and Crosswalks section. The Excel file is the first file there. Or, follow this link: http://codingadvisoryboard.mediregs.com/cgi-bin/_subs/view_fs_gen?view=crrc&prog=build_library&l=mre_cms_coding&page=crrc.

For additional information on benchmarking with bell curves, monitoring and auditing in the physician environment, review the new Study Aid on Professional Fee Auditing and Monitoring Tips.

Written by Lynn Kuehn, MS, RHIA, CCS-P, FAHIMA