Quick facts
- Old way: bill add-on code G2211 on its own line next to the E/M visit
- New way: add modifier B1 to the E/M code (+16% of the E/M payment)
- Bonus option: modifier B2 (+32%), only for Shared Savings Program ACO practitioners and LEAD Model participant providers
- When: Services on or after January 1, 2027
- Status: Final rule (finalized as proposed)
What was G2211, and why is it changing?
G2211 was created to pay a bit more for visits where you're the patient's ongoing point of care, such as their primary care clinician or the specialist managing a serious condition over time. It was billed as a separate add-on with a flat value.
For 2027, CMS is turning it into a modifier. Instead of adding a flat amount, the bonus becomes a percentage of the visit payment. CMS says the overall payment effect should be minimal, but how the money is spread will shift a little.
B1 vs. B2: which one do I use?
| Question | Modifier B1 | Modifier B2 |
|---|---|---|
| What it adds | 16% of the E/M payment | 32% of the E/M payment |
| Who can use it | Clinicians who previously qualified for G2211 | Only Shared Savings Program ACO practitioners and LEAD Model participant providers |
| Is it required? | Use when the visit qualifies | Voluntary. CMS says it can be billed for all beneficiaries |
| ACO catch | None | B2 claims count in ACO assignment, benchmark and performance-year spending |
How does this affect my practice?
Billing templates must change. If your EHR automatically adds G2211 as a line item, that will be wrong for 2027 dates of service.
Higher-level visits gain a little more. Because B1 is a percentage, a higher-paying visit gets a bigger dollar bump than a lower-paying one.
ACO practices have a decision to make. B2 pays more per visit, but those dollars count toward your ACO's spending. Talk to your ACO before you turn it on.
What should I do before January 1?
How HealthRescue Partners can help
We'll update your charge rules, check that B1/B2 is being applied correctly, and catch any early 2027 denials. See our coding services and medical billing services (4% of collections), or start with a free billing audit. We support family medicine, internal medicine and nurse practitioner practices.
Frequently asked questions
Is G2211 going away in 2027?
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Yes, for Medicare. CMS finalized a transition from the G2211 add-on code to modifier B1, which is appended to the E/M visit code and raises its payment by 16%.
What is modifier B2?
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Modifier B2 raises the E/M payment by 32%. It is voluntary and only available to practitioners in a Medicare Shared Savings Program ACO or LEAD Model participant providers. Claims with B2 count toward ACO assignment and spending.
Do I still bill G2211 in December 2026?
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Yes. Services furnished on or before December 31, 2026 follow the 2026 rules. The B1 and B2 modifiers apply to services on or after January 1, 2027.
Sources
This article explains payer and CMS rules in plain language for practice owners. It is not legal advice. Rules can change after publication, so always confirm against the source document before changing how you bill. Last reviewed November 9, 2026.