Prolonged office or other outpatient evaluation and management service(s), first 15 minutes

CPT code 99417 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.

Details

CPT code:

99417

Category:

Category I

Section:

Evaluation and Management (E/M)

Specialty:

Prolonged Services

Type:

Prolonged Service With or Without Direct Patient Contact on the Date of an Evaluation and Management Service

In the landscape of E/M services, 99417 holds significance, 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 office or other outpatient evaluation and management service(s), first 15 minutes fall?

Category I

What is the billing unit for Prolonged office or other outpatient evaluation and management service(s), first 15 minutes?

Per Encounter

Modifiers

Clinical use

Alcohol and/or substance (other than tobacco) abuse structured assessment and brief intervention services.

Documentation

Document the total duration of prolonged office or outpatient evaluation and management service beyond the typical service time, specifying the start and end times, and describe in detail the activities or discussions that required the prolonged service, emphasizing medical necessity.