This alphanumeric designation refers to a specific service provided by a physician or other qualified healthcare professional. It describes prolonged physician or other qualified healthcare professional service, requiring direct (face-to-face) patient contact beyond the usual service; first hour. As an example, consider a complex patient encounter involving extensive medical history review, detailed examination, and in-depth counseling regarding treatment options exceeding the typical duration for a standard office visit. If this face-to-face interaction lasts an hour beyond the usual service time, this code becomes applicable.
Accurate application of this code is crucial for proper reimbursement and compliance. It ensures that healthcare providers are appropriately compensated for the additional time and effort spent on complex patient cases. Furthermore, proper use contributes to accurate data collection, allowing for better analysis of resource utilization and healthcare costs. Historically, the establishment of such codes has aimed to standardize billing practices and provide a clear framework for valuing physician services, promoting transparency and accountability within the healthcare system.
