Wiki prolonged services

[nancistorves]

I am the coder for a group of hospitalist and I am a little confused on billing for prolonged services. My question is are the porlonged services code 99356 & 99357 for face to face time with patient? My docs want to know if it includes coordination of care and the other behind the scene stuff they do for a patient? If any one can help me clarify this I would be really greatfull

 

[j.berkshire]

This is one of those instances where the CPT definition is not the same as the CMS definition. CPT states 99356 and 99357 require "unit/floor time" and CMS's manual states it is "face-to-face time." CPT also defines unit/floor time to include the time in which the physician establishes and/or reviews the patient's chart, examines the patient, writes notes, and communicates with other professionals and the patient's family."