AMA CPT® Assistant - 2019 Issue 1 (January)
Coding Brief: Prolonged Services Without Direct Patient Contact (January 2019)
January 2019 page 13 Coding Brief: Prolonged Services Without Direct Patient Contact In certain circumstances, it may be appropriate to report prolonged services that are supplemental to an evaluation and management (E/M) service but do not involve direct patient contact (99358, 99359). Current Procedural Terminology (CPT®) non-face-to-face prolonged service codes 99358, Prolonged evaluation and management service before and/or after direct patient care; first hour, and 99359, Prolonged evaluation and management service before and/or after direct patient care; each additional 30 minutes (List separately in addition to code for prolonged service), are used when a prolonged E/M service provided...
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Article Overview
This Coding Brief reviews CPT guidance on prolonged services that occur without direct patient contact and are associated with evaluation and management work. It is intended for coders, billers, and clinical documentation staff who need to understand when these services are discussed, how they relate to E/M services, and what general documentation issues are highlighted in the brief.
Why This Topic Matters
Accurate reporting of prolonged non-face-to-face services depends on understanding CPT guidance, time reporting, and documentation expectations. The article helps readers identify when this type of service is being discussed and what coding topics are addressed in the brief.
Article Sections
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Coding Brief: Prolonged Services Without Direct Patient Contact
Introduces the topic of prolonged services performed without direct patient contact and situates it within evaluation and management reporting. It also frames the brief as guidance for CPT-based coding considerations.
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Reporting prolonged services and related documentation
Discusses general CPT guidance for prolonged non-face-to-face service reporting, including the relationship to patient care and ongoing management. It also addresses the need for precise time reporting and supporting documentation.
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Code selection considerations
Summarizes broad considerations for reporting these services in relation to other E/M services and related communication or coordination activities. It also notes additional topics that may affect whether separate reporting is addressed in the brief.
What You Will Learn
- How the article frames prolonged services without direct patient contact in the context of E/M services
- What general documentation and time-reporting issues the brief addresses
- Which broader reporting considerations are discussed alongside CPT prolonged service guidance
- What types of non-face-to-face service scenarios the article discusses at a high level
Who Should Read This
- Medical coders
- Billing staff
- Compliance professionals
- Physician practices
- Other qualified health care professionals
- Clinical documentation staff
Codes Discussed
Code Ranges Discussed
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