CPT parenthetical remark
The parenthetical remark under CPT 99366 states:
(Team conference services of less than 30 minutes duration are not reported separately.) (emphasis added by FTB)
That seems pretty clear to me. Less than 30 minutes = no charge.
In the guidelines, however, it does give you the option of using the other E/M codes (including basing level on time spent when > 50% is counseling /coordination of care). However , the physician must be directly involved with the patient, providing face-to-face services outside of the conferense visit with other providers or agencies. (emphasis added by FTB)
So, if your physician had a face-to-face E/M visit with patient prior to or after the team conference, then you can include the team conference in selecting your E/M level, basing everything on time, as long as more than 50% of the total time was spent in counseling/coordination of care.
Hope that helps.
F Tessa Bartels, CPC, CEMC
