In calls to the ISMA, many members have expressed concern about Medicare not covering consultation codes effective Jan. 1, 2010. This change requires physicians to use the applicable evaluation and management (E/M) code. The result will be a significant decrease in Medicare reimbursement.

The AMA met with senior staff from Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) and followed up the meeting with a letter on Nov. 25, 2009, summarizing the AMA’s position and asking CMS for a delay in its coverage decision for one year. Read the letter here.