The MLN Matters article applies to physicians and non-physician practitioners paid under the Medicare fee-for-service program, and not those under Medicare Advantage or other non-Medicare insurers.
According to the Q&A, providers need to bill the proper E/M code in order to be paid for the E/M services provided, and CMS advises that providers use the E/M code that most closely represents the services provided under the previous CPT code.
The Q&A also includes information on initial hospital codes, services provided under CPT 99499, advance beneficiary notices and new patient office visits.
Read the complete physician consultation code Q&A (pdf).
