Use time-based E/Ms for coordination of care

Why This Topic Matters

Coordination of care often crosses multiple settings and providers, so understanding the broad billing frameworks involved can affect claim submission, documentation practices, and payer response.

Article Sections

1. Hospital-based coordination of care

   Discusses time-based E/M use in an inpatient setting and the general role of coordination activities around discharge and stabilization.

2. Documentation and payer considerations

   Covers the need to document time and service activity, along with concerns about how payers may view these services.

3. Telephone and non-face-to-face services

   Describes the broader category of non-face-to-face coordination and why payer recognition can vary.

4. Office-based coordination of care

   Reviews coordination of care performed in the office and the general requirement that the encounter fit time-based E/M rules.

5. Team conference and care management codes

   Introduces other code groups used for coordinating care when time-based E/M reporting is not appropriate.

6. Time-based coordination of care code list

   Provides a summary list of coordination-related codes by service category and time framework.