How does the Medicare Access and CHIP Reauthorization Act (MACRA) influence coding practices?

The correct choice highlights that the Medicare Access and CHIP Reauthorization Act (MACRA) influences coding practices primarily through its emphasis on value-based care and quality reporting. This act was established to reform how healthcare providers are reimbursed by Medicare, shifting the focus from quantity of services provided to the quality of care delivered to patients.

Under MACRA, healthcare providers are incentivized to improve patient outcomes and enhance care quality. As a result, coding practices must align with these goals. Accurate and detailed coding becomes essential, as it facilitates the collection of data needed for quality measurement and performance evaluation. Coding professionals must ensure that they use the correct codes that reflect the services rendered and the quality of care provided, as these will directly impact reimbursement levels. This shift emphasizes the importance of comprehensive documentation and precise coding to support the quality initiatives outlined in MACRA.

By contrast, other options do not accurately reflect the influence of MACRA on coding practices. The increase in available codes, the elimination of documentation requirements, and the reduction of coding specifications do not align with the act's commitment to promoting high-quality healthcare through precise measurement and reporting.