On October 1, Cigna Healthcare implemented its new R49 policy, introducing more stringent medical complexity criteria for Evaluation and Management (E/M) code reimbursement. For most practices, it may seem like business as usual. Claims are still going out the door. Documentation is still being entered, and nothing unusual has appeared on your remittance reports. But here's the catch: downcoding has already started.

Aetna’s CCRP quietly began downcoding high-level E/M claims in March 2025, joining Cigna’s R49 policy effective Oct 1. Providers face hidden revenue loss, delayed payments, and rising admin burden. Learn how Downcoding Defense™ tools protect your practice.

With only days left before October 1, physicians must understand what’s really at stake. A mid-sized practice that bills for 20 high-level visits per week could lose $4,000 to $5,000 per month if claims are downcoded. Over 12 months, this amounts to nearly $50K in lost reimbursements. On October 1, 2025, Cigna Healthcare will enforce its new Evaluation and Management (E/M) Coding Accuracy (R49) Policy. This change is significant for many physicians; it represents a seismic s

While legal experts analyze and healthcare publications warn, practices need practical tools to comply. That's why we created the only comprehensive R49 Emergency Compliance Kit available.