CPT® 2012: 99218-99220: Observation Time Guidelines Could Help You Gain Pay

Also watch for modifier 33.

When CPT® 2011 debuted the subsequent observation care codes 99224-99226, many coders were left scratching their heads. Those new codes featured typical times associated, even though the initial observation care codes 99218-99220 don't have typical times.

Get a New Outlook on E/M Time

The new 2012 edition of your CPT® manual, which takes effect on Jan. 1, will remedy that problem, with the addition of the following typical time guidelines:

• 99218 -- ...Physicians typically spend 30 minutes at the bedside and on the patient's hospital floor or unit
• 99219 -- ...Physicians typically spend 50 minutes at the bedside and on [...]
  
  - Published on 2011-11-17