Many physicians, providers, and facilities appear to practice medicine from a perspective of isolation. Professional isolation has been named as a contributor to physician burnout and disillusionment, but this goes further. The thought that we are on an island with the patient, solely reliant on what’s in front of us with no contact to the outside world – either where the patient’s been or where they’re going – can cause drastic problems for the patient and those seeking to control medical costs. Redundant care, gaps in services, incorrect clinical judgements, and patient harm all arise from this problem of perspective.

In 2024, The Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) implemented a supplemental code, G2211, for primary care providers to add-on to existing Evaluation and Management services. The idea is to give PCPs a financial boost for the ongoing care and relationship with their patients. According to CMS, “G2211 captures the inherent complexity of the visit that’s derived from the longitudinal nature of the practitioner and patient relationship.”