menu
close_24px
Course

Evaluation and Management Office or Other Outpatient 99202-99215 as of 2021


Description

Delve into the dynamic world of medical coding, focusing specifically on the Evaluation and Management (E/M) services codes 99202-99215 as of January 1, 2021. This comprehensive course will equip learners with the knowledge and skills necessary to navigate the intricate guidelines governing E/M services, covering crucial topics such as the role of Medical Decision Making and Time in code leveling. Students will gain a deep understanding of what constitutes E/M services based on time and medical decision making, along with the key factors that are not included when determining the level of service. Additionally, the course will explore significant changes in medical decision making guidelines for 2021 and provide comprehensive definitions for various elements related to E/M services.

Included Lessons:

  • What is Evaluation and Management (E/M) Services 99202-99215 of 2021
  • E/M Services 99202-99215 are Leveled Based On
  • E/M Services Based on Time
  • What is Not Included When Level is Based on Time
  • E/M Based on Medical Decision Making
  • Significant Change in Medical Decision Making Guidelines for 2021
  • Definitions for the Elements of Medical Decision Making for Office or Other Outpatient Services
  • Organizational Impact
CEUs available for the following credentials:

AAPC

COC, CPC, CPC-P, CANPC, CCC, CCPC, CCVTC, CDEI, CDEO, CEDC, CEMC, CENTC, CFPC, CGIC, CGSC, CHONC, CIC, CIMC, COBGC, COPC, COSC, CPB, CPCD, CPCO, CPEDC, CPMA, CPMS, CPPM, CPRC, CRC, CRHC, CSFAC, CUC

AHIMA

CCA, CCS, CCS-P, RHIT, RHIA, CDIP, CHDA, CHPS

LEARN MORE

Key Takeaways

Completing this course will empower medical coders with the knowledge and skills required to navigate the complexities of E/M coding accurately, contributing to efficient and compliant healthcare billing and reimbursement processes. Some key takeaways include:

  • Updated E/M Guidelines: Coders will have a comprehensive understanding of the updated Evaluation and Management (E/M) guidelines as of January 1, 2021, particularly focusing on codes 99202-99215.
  • Code Leveling: Knowledge of how E/M services are leveled based on two critical factors: Time and Medical Decision Making.
  • Time-Based Coding: The ability to determine when and how to use time as a factor in code selection, especially in office or other outpatient services.
  • Exclusions and Inclusions: Understanding what is and isn't included when selecting the level based on time, including supervision of clinical staff and separately reportable services.
  • Medical Decision Making: Proficiency in evaluating and selecting the appropriate level of service based on the complexity of medical decision making, including the number of problems addressed, the complexity of data reviewed, and the risk assessment.
  • Coding Accuracy: Skills to accurately assign E/M codes based on the provided documentation and in adherence to the guidelines.
  • Risk Assessment: The ability to assess risk related to patient management decisions, morbidity, and mortality, and how it affects code selection.
  • Problem Classification: Familiarity with classifying problems as minimal, self-limited, stable, acute, chronic, or posing a threat to life or bodily function, and understanding their impact on code selection.
  • External Data and Records: Knowledge of how to consider external records, communications, and test results in the coding process.
  • Documentation Importance: Appreciation for the critical role of complete and accurate documentation in supporting medical necessity and proper code selection, thus preventing improper billing and reimbursement.

Benefits of Taking this Course

  • Accurate Coding
  • E&M Code Expertise
  • Ethical Coding
  • Increased Coding Confidence
  • Efficient Documentation
  • Compliance Assurance

FAQs

How do I determine the level of an E/M service based on Medical Decision Making?
To determine the level of E/M service based on Medical Decision Making, consider three elements: the number and complexity of problems addressed, the amount and complexity of data reviewed, and the risk of complications, morbidity, and/or mortality associated with patient management decisions. Assign a level (e.g., 99202/99212 straightforward, 99203/99213 low, 99204/99214 moderate, 99205/99215 high) based on these elements.
When can Time be used to select the level of an E/M service?

Time can be used to determine the level of E/M services, especially in office or other outpatient settings. Total time spent on the date of the encounter can be a determining factor for E/M level assignment. However, it should be noted that Time should only be used for other E/M service categories when counseling and/or coordination of care dominate the service.

What is the importance of accurate documentation in E/M coding?
Accurate and complete documentation is crucial in supporting the medical necessity of services provided. It ensures that the selected E/M code reflects the true level of care delivered and helps prevent improper billing and reimbursement. Proper documentation also contributes to patient care quality.

About our Medical Coding Courses

HIAlearn, powered by Health Information Associates (HIA)—a leader in medical coding and auditing for more than three decades—offers a comprehensive online education platform for medical coders. With a catalog of over 200 medical coding courses accepted by the American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA) for Continuing Education Units (CEUs) and a selection approved by the American Academy of Professional Coders (AAPC), HIAlearn caters to both beginners and experienced medical coders seeking to enhance their skills. The platform provides an array of training plans tailored to meet individual learning needs, from mastering challenging coding procedures to understanding broad conceptual frameworks within the coding world. Courses are available across various coding types including CPTE/M, ICD-10-CMICD-10-PCS, and are designed to cater to different coder levels and coding specialties such as inpatientoutpatientprofee, and CDI. Additionally, HIAlearn offers a Coding Updates bundle to ensure coders are up-to-date with the annual changes in ICD-10-CMICD-10-PCSCPT, and IPPS. Beyond individual learning, HIAlearn supports organizations with group discounts, promoting enhanced coding accuracy, efficiency, and compliance across teams. 

Overview
Price
Price : $35.99
Courses
Courses : 1
CEUs
AHIMA CEUs : 1
CEUs
AAPC CEUs : 1
Code Type