CPT replaces phone E/M codes, introduces online E/M visits

Why This Topic Matters

Coding for non-face-to-face patient communication is a recurring compliance and reimbursement issue. This article helps readers track an important CPT transition and anticipate how payer policies, documentation expectations, and service categorization may affect reporting.

Article Sections

1. Introduction

   The article introduces upcoming changes to non-face-to-face evaluation and management services and frames the reimbursement and coverage context.

2. New CPT telephone and online E/M codes

   This section summarizes the newly introduced telephone and online evaluation and management items and notes the related non-physician provider code referenced by the article.

3. How the new descriptors separate these services from other E/M work

   The article explains the general positioning of the new descriptors in relation to related office and procedural services and discusses the broader intent of the wording.

4. How CPT defines phone and online communication

   This section provides the article’s broad framing of telephone services and online electronic medical evaluation services as non-face-to-face E/M encounters.

5. Market and payer response

   The article discusses payer interest, pilot coverage activity, and the possibility that online services may influence future reimbursement trends.

6. What to charge

   This section reviews pricing observations and survey-based charge examples cited by the author as background for practice planning.

7. New guidelines for phone call codes

   The article outlines the general type of guidance that will accompany the new telephone service codes and describes the topics those instructions address.

8. Guidelines for online E/M code

   This section summarizes the general guidance that will accompany the online E/M service code and notes how multiple encounters and related communication are addressed at a high level.