NextGen Knowledge Center

Calculate an E&M Code under 2021 Coding Guidelines on the Cardiology Finalize Template

To calculate an E&M code under the 2021 Coding Guidelines, you must select the Medical Decision Making (MDM) level or enter time on the EM 2021 Guidelines template that opens from the Cardiology Finalize template.

To compare E&M codes, you can switch between the calculation methods. However, you cannot combine codes from both methods. The application uses the last calculated code.

  1. Open the Cardiology Finalize template and then expand the Evaluation and Management Coding panel.
  2. In the Medical Decision Making or Counseling section, do one of the following:
    • Review prepopulated or select the level of complexity associated with the encounter.
    • Enter the total visit time.
  3. To calculate the E&M code based on the MDM level, review prepopulated or select the level of complexity associated with the encounter in the Medical Decision Making or Counceling section.
    The Medical Decision Making section shows the MDM level based on the calculated levels in the three tables in the Medical Decision - Making Elements panel. To change the MDM level, change the automatically-calculated MDM levels in the MDM tables, or by making corrections in the encounter chart note.

    For guidance on using the 2021 Coding Guidelines based on MDM level and time, click the information icon.

    For guidance on the level of complexity and risks involved in MDM, click the View MDM Guidelines link.

  4. To calculate an E&M code based on the total visit time, click the Total Visit time (min) down arrow, enter the time, and click OK. You can include counseling time, excluding four minutes or more of tobacco cessation counseling.
    The minimum time is 15 minutes for a new patient and 10 minutes for an existing patient.