Effective January 1, Medicare will eliminate all Part B consultation procedure codes. Physicians will instead use evaluation and management (E/M codes) for both office and inpatient visits.

Illinois Medicare carrier WPS will host three conference calls to answer questions about Medicare's elimination of consultation codes in 2010. Reservations are not required; dial 866-685-4589 and enter the appropriate passcode (below) for the call.

 Dec. 29, 2009   11 a.m. - 1 p.m.    Passcode: 47711929
Jan. 12, 2010     9 - 11 a.m.           Passcode: 47131014
Jan. 14, 2010     1 - 3 p.m.             Passcode: 47132909