Gastroenterology Coding Alert

Reader Questions:

Ask What 'CC' Means Before Proceeding

Question: I came across a chart that states, "cc time 45 minutes." What should I code for this?

Missouri Subscriber

Answer: You should definitely ask your physician what this means.

This sounds like critical care (CC) time for 45 minutes. Use 99291 (Critical care, evaluation and management of the critically ill or critically injured patient; first 30-74 minutes).

For future reference: The rest of the critical care billing chart is in the evaluation and management section of your CPT book. Look for critical care services. You can find the table with the times and codes there.

However, could "cc" mean "coordination of care"? Could this be here to justify a higher-level E/M service? This is a case in which you must ask your provider what this abbreviation means.

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