tci E/M Coding Alert - 2013 Issue 7

Reader Question: Count the Minutes for Family Counseling Session Coding

Question: My oncologist did a counseling session with the parents of a minor regarding the minor’s proposed treatments. He spent a good 20 to 30 minutes with the parents answering questions. Is there a code I can use for this? California Subscriber Answer: You should bill this as an E/M encounter based on time. If the counseling and/or coordination of care dominates — makes up more than 50 percent of the physician/patient and/or family encounter (face-to-face in office or other outpatient settings), time alone may be the key or controlling factor to qualify for a particular level of...

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