Which CPT code category is used for evaluation and management services?

Evaluation and management (E/M) services are a fundamental aspect of healthcare that involves assessing and managing a patient’s care, typically represented by a specific set of codes in the CPT coding system. Category I is specifically dedicated to these services, which include office visits, hospital visits, consultations, and other interactions between healthcare providers and patients.

Within Category I, E/M codes are organized based on various factors such as the setting (outpatient, inpatient), the complexity of the medical decision-making required, and the patient's condition. This organization allows healthcare providers to accurately document the nature of the services rendered, ensuring that they are appropriately reimbursed for their work.

In contrast, Category II codes are supplemental tracking codes used for performance measures and quality improvement purposes, while Category III codes are temporary codes for emerging technologies, services, and procedures that have not yet been widely accepted. Category IV is not an officially defined category within the CPT coding structure. Therefore, Category I is the correct category for evaluation and management services, as it encompasses the wide range of codes specifically dedicated to these critical interactions in healthcare.