Wiki E/M Time Based

[raeann]

Q: If a provider documents total time spent on the encounter, but includes that they previously reviewed the same test, labs etc. results with the patient - several times over - can those time activities be added into today's encounter time?

 

[jkyles]

Hi there, for time-based coding the CPT manual does [edit: NOT] place a limit on how often a provider counts actions like the review of test results or counseling a patient about a specific issue. There might be a payer policy out there with a limit, but I haven't seen one.

Also just to make sure - the provider can count non-face-to-face time on the date of the encounter, excluding the three exceptions listed in the manual.

 

[raeann]

Hi there, for time-based coding the CPT manual does place a limit on how often a provider counts actions like the review of test results or counseling a patient about a specific issue. There might be a payer policy out there with a limit, but I haven't seen one.

Also just to make sure - the provider can count non-face-to-face time on the date of the encounter, excluding the three exceptions listed in the manual.

Thanks - Did you mean to include "not" in this statement?: ...CPT manual does place a limit on how ...

 

[jkyles]

Oops, sorry. I edited my original post. Thanks for pointing that out.