Coding Tips: Changes Coming to E/M Services in 2021

Posted on November 06, 2020

The largest overhaul to the office-based evaluation and management (E/M) services since 1997 will take place on Jan. 1, 2021. The revisions only affect codes 99201-99215. The summarized changes are:

• Code 99201 is deleted.
• History and physical exam are no longer considered when selecting a code.
• Code selection is based on either Medical Decision Making (MDM) or Total Time.
• New MDM tables will be published in CPT.
• Time is listed in ranges and now will include all time of the date of the office-based E/M service (eg, 99214). Time is cumulative throughout the day.
• New prolonged service code was added in 15-minute increments.

For more information, visit the AAP’s 2021 E/M Changes page here.