Getting paid for your time

Why This Topic Matters

Time-based billing is a common source of uncertainty in pediatrics, and this article helps readers identify which kinds of encounters may warrant closer review. It is useful for improving documentation awareness and recognizing the general categories of coding guidance covered in the full piece.

Article Sections

1. Prolonged services codes

   Introduces the prolonged services topic and distinguishes between face-to-face and non-face-to-face reporting categories.

2. How prolonged services are discussed in practice

   Covers general commentary on when prolonged services may be considered and the importance of timing and documentation.

3. Counseling and coordination of care

   Describes time-based E/M reporting concepts tied to counseling and coordination of care in pediatric visits.

4. Modifier -25 and time-related reporting

   Discusses a related approach to reporting an additional service during a visit when extra time is spent on a separate problem.

5. Standby services

   Summarizes the article’s discussion of standby time and the limited circumstances in which it is considered.

6. Typical times per CPT

   Provides a reference table of common visit time values associated with CPT evaluation and management codes.