How are management and evaluation codes grouped?

Answer 1

E/M codes are grouped by the setting the service is provided in (eg, office or other outpatient services, emergency department, skilled nursing facility). Each of these groups is further classified into subgroups. For example, outpatient services are grouped into services provided to new patients and those for established patients. Many inpatient services, like hospital inpatient or nursing facility care, will have sections for initial care, subsequent care, and discharge services. The E/M section has extensive guidelines at the beginning of the section and even more specific guidelines at the beginning of many of the subsections that can help you choose the correct code(s).