Changes in Guidance for E/M Telephone Services (99441-99443)

We are informing providers of a recent revision in interpretation and guidance for use of CPT codes 99441-99443 for telephone E/M services.

Since these telephone services have been designated by CMS as representative of E/M services for patients who do not have the capability for telehealth visualization, the only associated frequency limit is the long standing rule of no more than one service being billable per day. When repeated services are medically necessary, for patient follow up or care for a new problem, these services may be performed as frequently as is necessary for the patients care and safety.

Changes in guidance for E/M telephone services by residents; in a primary care exception setting, a resident may perform a telephone E/M service (CPT codes 99441-99443) when the teaching physician is available via audio/visual means and reviews the outcome of the phone and discussion and resident’s new or modified plan of care on the same date of service.

Posted 6/16/2020