Coding
E/M (evaluation and management)
The office-visit code family, leveled since 2021 by medical decision-making or by total time on the date of the encounter.
What it means in dermatology
Dermatology E/M leveling turns on the number and complexity of problems addressed, the data reviewed, and the risk of the management chosen. A visit that results in a biopsy of a suspicious lesion carries different risk than a routine acne follow-up.
Time-based leveling counts all qualifying same-day work — chart review, counseling, documentation — but cannot be used for the portion of time spent performing a separately reported procedure.
Why it matters to your revenue
Systematic under-leveling is the quietest form of revenue loss in dermatology because it never produces a denial to investigate.
See this term in your own numbers
A free claims audit reviews a de-identified sample of your dermatology claims and returns a line-item findings report — including where terms like this one are costing you money.
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