Prolonged Service Codes Receive Some Attention in 2016

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Prolonged Services, Codes, E/M, Merrilww Severino, Code 99358, Code 99359, CPT, 99415, CTP 99416CPT 99354, CPT, 99357 Prolonged Service Codes Receive Some Attention in 2016

Category: Coding

I originally wrote about prolonged services for BC Advantage Magazine in February/March issue of 2008. At that time, I was surprised after billing for and doing so many revenue consults with practices that so few providers were even aware that these codes existed.

I think that since that time, many providers have attempted to adopt these codes into their practices. However, I still believe that the lack of understanding and fear of the prolonged service codes is the main cause of improper billing of them. A service becomes eligible as a "prolonged service" when a provider spends 30 minutes or more beyond the AMA's average time with a patient for a given E/M (evaluation & management) service. Because documentation of time spent and context is so important, you may need to educate your providers on the proper use...

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