Wiki Prolonged Office Visits/Change 2021 99415, 99416

[jub41@psu.edu]

Hello,

Could someone tell me if the 99415, 99416 are going away 2021? Different resources have different information.

Thank you!

 

[Cynthia Hughes]

These codes for prolonged clinical staff time remain in 2021 but the time is calculated using the times assigned to the revised office E/M codes. Time begins 30 minutes after the highest total time in the time ranges of the code descriptions. For example, the highest time for 99214 is 39 minutes, and 99415 is not reported until at least 69 minutes (30 minutes after 39 minutes) total face-to-face clinical staff time has been performed.

99417 is the new code for reporting prolonged service by a physician or other qualified health care professional on the day of an office or other outpatient visit. It is used in lieu of 99354-99355 in 2021 but codes 99354-99355 are still reported in conjunction with consultations and other outpatient services (e.g, home visits, assisted living).

Cindy