E/M services: Telehealth office visit codes can be selected based on time or MDM

Why This Topic Matters

Telehealth and telephone E/M billing rules changed rapidly during the COVID-19 emergency, affecting how practices document and report services. Understanding the temporary policy helps organizations align billing workflows with current CMS guidance and prepare for broader E/M changes.

Article Sections

1. Code office E/M via telehealth based on time or MDM

   This section discusses temporary telehealth policy for office/outpatient E/M encounters during the public health emergency. It places the guidance in the context of Medicare telehealth and upcoming office visit standards.

2. Report telephone E/M visits

   This section addresses reporting of telephone-based evaluation and management services and the related temporary guidance for emergency-period billing. It also distinguishes between physician/QHP reporting and nonphysician professional reporting categories.