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Policy / Article-004

E/M Consultation Services Educational Guide

Audience

Consultants for other health professionals and physicians.

References
  • CPT 2026 Professional Edition
  • AMA AMA CPT Assistant consultation guidance
  • CMS Evaluation & Management Services Guide
  • Official ICD-10-CM / CPT coding rule

Clinical Providers

Physicians

Nurse Practitioners (NPs)

Physician Assistants (PAs)

Specialty Consultants

Coding & Billing Professionals

Medical Coders

Clinical Documentation Improvement (CDI) specialists

Compliance and audit personnel

Overview

Consultation: A service provided when a physician or qualified health professional is asked by another provider for an opinion on a patient’s specific problem.

Key Points

➔ Review of patient record / history 2

➔ Interview and/or physical exam

➔ Formulation of opinion / management plan

➔ Communication with requesting provider

Covering Codes 
Outpatient: 99242 – 99245
Inpatient: 99252–99255

CDI & Audit Considerations

1. Always document the consultation request and reason

2. Include all data reviewed (labs, imaging, outside records)

3. Specify complexity and risk—avoid generic phrases

4. Document communication to requesting provider

5. Review for completeness and clarity

Common Audit Triggers

  1. Missing requesting provider
  2. Incomplete exam documentation
  3. Ambiguous MDM justification
  4. Missing communication documentation
Documentation Essentials

For each consultation, documentation should include:

Requesting Provider – Name and specialty

Reason for Consultation – Clear clinical question

History of Present Illness (HPI) – Detailed and relevant to the problem

Physical Examination – problem-focused or extended based on patient acuity

Physical Exam Findings – Problem-focused or comprehensive 

Medical Decision Making (MDM)

  • Number/complexity of problems
  • Data reviewed, ordered, or analyzed
  • Risk of complications or morbidity

Assessment & Plan – Consultant’s opinion, differential diagnosis, recommendations

Communication – Document discussion / recommendations with requesting provider

Time-Based Coding Option – If counseling / care coordination dominates (≥50%), total time may determine code. Document time spent, activities, and participants.

Example Correct Time-Based Note

Total 30 min:
20 min counseling patient/family
10 min reviewing outside labs and imaging.
Discussed plan with requesting provider.

CPT 2026 Consultation Codes & Typical Time

Pro Tip
If the patient becomes your ongoing patient, future visits are coded as established patient E/M (99211–99215).

CPT Code

Setting

Typical Time on Date of Service

MDM Level

Notes

99242

Outpatient

30-39 min

Low

Problem-focused exam, moderate MDM

99243

Outpatient

40-54 min

Moderate

Expanded problem-focused exam

99244

Outpatient

55-69 min

Moderate

Detailed exam, high MDM

99245

Outpatient

70-84 min

High

Comprehensive exam, high MDM

99252

Inpatient

35-44 min

Low

Problem-focused, low complexity

99253

Inpatient

45-59 min

Moderate

Expanded problem-focused

99254

Inpatient

60-74 min

Moderate

Detailed exam

99255

Inpatient

75-89 min

High

Comprehensive exam, high complexity

MDM Highlights for Consultation Services

Pro Tip
Always document the problem, risk level, and all data reviewed to justify code selection. See documentation checklist ➔

Component

Minimal

Low

Moderate

High

Problems

1 self-limited

2 minor

1 stable chronic / multiple minor

1+ severe chronic / acute

Data

Minimal

Limited

Moderate

Extensive (labs, imaging, outside records)

Risk

Minimal

Low

Moderate

High (life threatening / severe disability)

Revision History

01/01/2026
Correct Coding Integrity

03/23/2026
Revised by Mountain Health CO-OP Policy Committee

Disclaimer
This document is for informational purposes only. It should not replace clinical judgment or provide medical advice. Coverage, benefits, and eligibility are determined by the member’s benefit plan. CPT codes and procedures included are for informational purposes only and do not guarantee reimbursement. © CPT Only – American Medical Association