In 2021, regarding the use of Total Time on the date of the encounter with the new E/M Guidelines: If I spend time prepping the chart the night before I see the patient, does that count when using time? What if the visit is within 24 hours? ...
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Article Overview
This short article addresses a common question about the 2021 E/M guidelines and the meaning of total time on the date of the encounter. It is useful for physicians, coders, and billing staff who need a quick clarification of time-based reporting concepts under the new office and outpatient E/M framework.
Why This Topic Matters
Understanding how total time is defined helps prevent inconsistent documentation and supports more accurate selection of time-based E/M services.
What You Will Learn
- How total time is framed under the 2021 E/M guidelines.
- What general timing concept applies to chart preparation relative to the encounter date.
- How a calendar-date concept affects time-based reporting questions.
- Why this issue matters for evaluation and management documentation.
Who Should Read This
- Physicians
- Coders
- Billing staff
- Revenue cycle teams
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