Witch one of the following subcategories of the E/M section has separate codes for new and establised patients?
A.office and other outpatients
B. Hospital observation services
C. initial inpatient consultation
D. Emergency Department services
To determine which subcategory of the E/M (Evaluation and Management) section in medical coding has separate codes for new and established patients, you need to refer to the Current Procedural Terminology (CPT) manual. The CPT manual provides detailed information about medical coding and billing procedures.
Here are the steps to find the answer:
1. Obtain a copy of the most recent version of the CPT manual. You can access it online or obtain a physical copy from various sources, such as medical libraries, bookstores, or professional organizations.
2. Locate the E/M section within the CPT manual. The E/M section usually encompasses codes ranging from 99201 to 99499.
3. Look for the subcategories mentioned in the question: A. Office and other outpatients, B. Hospital observation services, C. Initial inpatient consultation, and D. Emergency Department services.
4. Review the guidelines and code descriptions for each subcategory. Pay attention to any specific instructions about new or established patients.
5. Determine if any of the subcategories have separate codes for new and established patients. Look for key phrases such as "new patient" or "established patient" within the code descriptions.
Based on the information in the CPT manual, the correct answer is A. Office and other outpatients. This subcategory typically has separate codes for new patients (99201-99205) and established patients (99211-99215). The other subcategories mentioned (B. Hospital observation services, C. Initial inpatient consultation, and D. Emergency Department services) do not typically differentiate between new and established patients through separate codes.
Following these steps will allow you to find accurate information and ensure proper coding and billing practices.