Ok, so the new E/M guidelines for 2021 have changed the time frames for the following codes.
Code Time
99202 15-29
99203 30-44
99204 45-59
99205 60-74
99211 N/A
99212 10-19
99213 20-29
99214 30-39
99215 40-54
According to the new guidelines, time may be used to select a code level in office or other outpatient services whether or not counseling and/or coordination of care dominates the service. (50% rule is out)
The doctor still needs to document the activities associated with this encounter. Here is what they consider examples of time activities:
Code Time
99202 15-29
99203 30-44
99204 45-59
99205 60-74
99211 N/A
99212 10-19
99213 20-29
99214 30-39
99215 40-54
According to the new guidelines, time may be used to select a code level in office or other outpatient services whether or not counseling and/or coordination of care dominates the service. (50% rule is out)
The doctor still needs to document the activities associated with this encounter. Here is what they consider examples of time activities:
- Physician/other qualified health care professional time includes the following activities when performed:
- preparing to see the patient (eg, review of tests)
- obtaining and/or reviewing the separately obtained history
- performing a medically appropriate examination and/or evaluation
- counseling and educating the patient/family/caregiver
- ordering medications, tests, or procedures
- referring and communicating with other health care professionals (when not separately reported)
- documenting clinical information in the electronic or other health records
- independently interpreting results (not separately reported) and communicating results to the patient/family/caregiver
- care coordination (not separately reported)