Prolonged evaluation and management service before and/or after direct patient care, each additional 30 minutes

CPT code 99359 designates prolonged service in the inpatient setting, requiring direct patient contact beyond the usual service time. This code is applied when healthcare providers engage in prolonged face-to-face time with inpatients beyond the typical duration of E/M services.

CPT code:

99359

Category:

Category I

Section:

Explore Evaluation and Management CPT Codes

Specialty:

Prolonged Services

Type:

Prolonged Service on Date Other Than the Face-to-Face Evaluation and Management Service Without Direct Patient Contact

In the realm of E/M services, 99359 plays a crucial role, representing prolonged service in the inpatient setting. Healthcare providers utilize this code when engaging in prolonged face-to-face time with inpatients, extending beyond the usual duration of E/M services. Its use ensures accurate documentation of efforts in providing extended care during patient encounters in the inpatient setting.

Under what category does Prolonged evaluation and management service before and/or after direct patient care, each additional 30 minutes fall?

Category I

What is the billing unit for Prolonged evaluation and management service before and/or after direct patient care, each additional 30 minutes?

Per Encounter

Modifiers

Clinical use

Prolonged evaluation and management service before and/or after direct patient care, each additional 30 minutes.

Documentation

Clearly document each additional 30-minute increment of prolonged evaluation and management service before or after direct patient care, including the start and end times, and provide a detailed description of the activities or discussions justifying the additional time.