Q&A Time Factor in E and M Coding

[Thomas Koshy]

This is Thomas Koshy from Al Ain, United Arab Emirates.
Can some one explain me the following issue in E and M :-
I know that that the Key components in E and M are History, Exam,and MDM.
BUT, plese tell me when the provider can level the Outpatient Visit solely on Time Factor ?
Well this is a issue I am facing in E and M over here.
Thank you,
Thomas Koshy.

 

[Ruth Sheets]

Thomas, for a list of E & M codes using Time as the criteria for level, see Understand EM Coding Step by Step which is a free downloadable PDF. Click here: CodingCertificationHomePage.

Click on the button (at bottom of page) for Free Coding Tools and Downloads. Click on the button for Understanding EM Coding Step by Step to download it. In the Step 1 Table in that PDF you will notice which E & M codes are decided by Time (see last column on Right).

Of course, read the descriptions of the CPT codes to verify correct usage!

Hope this hopes!

 

[Laureen]

You can bill by total time if counseling or coordination of care dominated the session. See this paragraph from page 10 of EM Guidelines.