The E/M category, prolonged services, identifies a method of reporting performed E/M services that exceed the typical time and content of service, however content of service is not required in order to report this service. Using gained knowledge from this textbook, explain when prolonged services may be reported, and at least two reasons why the prolonged services codes are useful when reporting

these performed services. Why are prolonged service codes useful in reflecting the care provided by the physician?

What will be an ideal response?

Answers should include (but may not be limited to) the following:
? When the performed E/M service cannot be reported through the documentation of the history, physical examination, or medical decision making, since these elements identify the content of service and the extended intraservice time may involve the collection of the content of service or the contributing components. This is very useful when the performing physician expends an inordinate amount of time during the E/M service, which would otherwise not be reported.
? Prolonged services report the total amount of intraservice time the physician or other qualified healthcare professional has spent providing care for an individual patient on a specific date, even if the total intraservice on that specific date has been interrupted.
? Prolonged service with direct patient contact in an outpatient setting
? Prolonged services with direct patient contact in an inpatient setting
? Prolonged service without direct patient contact
? The prolonged care code is an add-on code that is reported in association with the E/M service code that reflects the documented content of service. Because prolonged care codes are reported in blocks of time, the highest level of E/M service code must be supported by the intraservice time documented by the physician.