Time: using time for E/M services in 2021

• CPT^® is revising codes 99202—99215 in 2021.
• Beginning in 2021, time alone can be used to select one of these codes, whether or not counseling dominates the visit. Certain non-face-to-face activities performed on the day of the E/M service may be included in the time.
• There will be different rules for using time for different categories of E/M services.

The current rule for selecting a new or established patient visit based on time is that the clinician may count only face-to-face time with the patient, and more than half of that face-to-face time must be spent in counseling and coordination of care. CPT^® currently defines counseling as a discussion with the patient and/or family member about:

• Diagnostic results, impressions, recommended diagnostic studies
• Prognosis
• Risks & benefits of management
• Instructions for management
• Importance of compliance
• Risk factor reduction
• Patient and family education

Beginning in the 2021 CPT^® book, there will be different rules for using time to select an E/M code for different categories of codes.  The rules for hospital visits, nursing facility visits, home visits, for example, are not changing in 2021.

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