CPT® 2013 Review: Ensure You Prevent 'Physician' Limitations By Updating Your 2013 E/M Code Know-How

Why This Topic Matters

The changes discussed affect how providers and billing teams recognize who may report certain E/M services, how time-based reporting is supported, and how new care management services fit into the CPT E/M framework. Reviewing these updates helps reduce outdated assumptions and improves alignment with the 2013 code set changes.

Article Sections

1. Eliminate ‘Physician’ Limitations From Your E/M Code Thinking

   Explains the broad 2013 language revisions across the E/M section and the general purpose of the wording changes. Focuses on how the updates affect the interpretation of provider eligibility and time language.

2. Apply the Change to Your PA/NP Billing

   Discusses how the E/M wording updates relate to nonphysician providers and billing workflows for those services. Addresses the article’s general treatment of practice roles and reporting implications.

3. Use 99234-99236 With Prolonged Services Codes

   Covers the addition of typical times to same-day observation or inpatient admission and discharge services and the related prolonged services context. Describes the section’s focus on how the revised E/M timing framework connects to prolonged service reporting.

4. Don’t Count Two Way Radio Communications as Pediatric Critical Care

   Reviews wording changes affecting pediatric critical care transport and related emergency communication scenarios. Includes the article’s discussion of alternative E/M and emergency care reporting categories.

5. Map in New Codes for Coordination, Transfer of Care

   Introduces the new E/M code families for complex care coordination and transitional care management. Summarizes the article’s coverage of the general purpose, scope, and setting transitions addressed by these additions.