March 18, 2021

Question:
My physicians have decided they would prefer to continue to use the E/M 1995/1997 guidelines for office visits instead of the new 2021 guidelines. Do we have a choice? Can we continue to use these guidelines?

Answer:
The new guidelines apply to office or other outpatient services 99202-99215 and are based on either medical decision making or time. You may not use the previous guidelines when reporting your office visits. I would recommend your physicians and other practitioners attend a E/M guideline session to learn the requirements of the 2021 E/M guidelines.

*This response is based on the best information available as of 03/18/21