The Revised Evaluation & Management Codes – January 01, 2021

Starting January 01, 2021, the Evaluation & Management (EM) codes will be easier to use.

The codes are now determined by either:

1. Medical Decision Making (MDM); or
2. Time

The MDM consists of four categories:

– Straightforward
– Low
– Moderate
– High

The calculation of time now includes:

– Preparing to see the patient (eg, review of tests)
– Obtaining and/or reviewing separately obtained history
– Performing a medically appropriate examination and/or evaluation
– Counseling and educating the patient/family/caregiver
– Ordering medications, tests, or procedures
– Referring and communicating with other health care professionals (when not separately reported)
– Documenting clinical information in the electronic or other health record
– Independently interpreting results (not separately reported); and
– Communicating results to the patient/family/caregiver care coordination (not separately reported)

NOTE: Code 99201 has been deleted due to lack of use.

Click here for the updated AMA-CPT guidelines.