Bill E/Ms, not eye codes, if time is the main factor

Why This Topic Matters

For eye care practices, understanding when a visit can be supported by time-based evaluation and management coding may affect both compliance and reimbursement. The article also helps readers recognize the documentation elements payers may expect when counseling or coordination of care dominates the encounter.

Article Sections

1. Introductory comparison of eye codes and E/M services

   Introduces the overall billing issue in ophthalmology and frames the choice between eye visit codes and evaluation and management services. The section presents the general context in which encounter time can become important.

2. Why billing by time often is the best path

   Discusses practical situations in which counseling or care coordination may be a major part of an eye visit. It also introduces the general idea of selecting among available code families based on the service provided.

3. How select time-based E/M levels

   Summarizes the general approach to selecting time-based office or inpatient evaluation and management levels. It addresses the role of visit time, documentation of time, and the use of start and stop times.

4. The details from Medicare on time-based coding

   Outlines Medicare’s high-level guidance for time-based coding in office and inpatient settings. It focuses on documentation and setting-specific considerations for counseling and coordination of care.