NextGen Knowledge Center

Calculate an E&M Code under 2021 Coding Guidelines on the Ophthalmology 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 Ophthalmology 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 Ophthalmology Finalize template and expand the EM code panel.
  2. Click Calculate code.
    The EM 2021 Guidelines template opens.
    EM 2021 Guidelines template

  3. To calculate an E&M code on the MDM level for a new or an established patient, do one of the following:
    • Select a complexity level. For information on complexity levels and risks involved in MDM, click the View MDM Guidelines link.
    • If the complexity level has been carried over from the Ophthalmology Finalize template, select a complexity level again.
    The calculated code has been selected for the new or the established patient.
  4. To calculate an E&M code on the total time for a new or an established patient, do one of the following:
    • For Time, enter the total time in minutes, and click OK. You can include counseling time in the total time.

      The minimum time is 15 minutes for a new patient and 10 minutes for an established patient.

    • If the time has been carried over from the Ophthalmology Finalize template, enter the total time again.
    The calculated code has been selected for the new or the established patient.
  5. To override the calculated code, manually select an E&M code for a new or an established patient.
  6. To enter the code, click Accept. Otherwise, click Cancel.
    The calculated code appears in the EM Code panel in the Calculated code field and appears as selected for a new or an established patient.

    If you manually selected a code on the EM 2021 Guidelines template, the code appears in the Submitted code field. If a calculated code has been overridden, the calculated code still appears in the Calculated code field.