Otolaryngology Coding Alert

Question: Since there are no prolonged service codes for under 30 minutes of extra E/M time, can I append modifier -21 (Prolonged evaluation and management services) to E/M visits that don't meet the 30-minute requirement for prolonged service?

Missouri Subscriber

Answer: Not typically. Modifier -21 is only for "the highest level of evaluation and management service," according to CPT, meaning that you can only use it with level-five services. If you append it to any other level E/M code, the claim is incorrect.

-- Information for Reader Questions and You Be the Coder provided by a number of coding experts, including Susan Callaway, CPC, CCS-P, an independent coding consultant and educator in North Augusta, S.C.; and Kathy Pride, CPC, CCS-P, a coding consultant for QuadraMed in Port St. Lucie, Fla.