Countdown to 2021: Take a Closer Look at the 2021 Changes to Outpatient E/M Times

Why This Topic Matters

The article helps readers prepare for a major outpatient E/M coding transition that affects time-based level selection and prolonged services reporting. It is relevant for practices updating workflow, documentation, and charge capture for 2021 CPT guidance.

Article Sections

1. Change 1: Counseling no Longer Has to Factor Into Time Calculations

   Describes the shift in how outpatient E/M time is considered and the broader move away from requiring counseling to dominate the encounter for time-based coding.

2. Change 2: Time Will Be Total, Not Typical

   Summarizes the move to total time on the date of service and the categories of work that may be considered under the revised guidance.

3. Change 3: Times Will Change and Be a Range

   Introduces the new time-range structure for outpatient E/M levels and explains that the prior single typical time approach is changing.

4. Change 4: Prolonged Services Coding Will Change, Too …

   Covers the overhaul to prolonged services reporting for outpatient E/M services and the introduction of a new code for the updated framework.

5. … but Prolonged Clinical Staff Services Coding Will Stay the Same

   Notes that prolonged clinical staff service reporting remains in place under the new guidance and is not being replaced by the outpatient prolonged services change.