How often can code 99291 be used on a given date?

The correct answer is that code 99291 can be used once per date regardless of duration. This code is specifically designated for critical care evaluation and management services, which means that it reflects an intensive level of care for patients in a critical condition. The guidelines state that code 99291 is used to report the initial 30-74 minutes of critical care time.

Once this code has been billed for a particular date, it cannot be billed again for the same patient on that date, even if the care provided exceeds the minimum time required or even if the patient's condition varies throughout the day. This limitation is designed to prevent overcoding and ensure that billing reflects the actual complexity and duration of patient care given on that specific date.

Understanding this limitation is crucial for compliance and accuracy in coding, as it emphasizes the importance of documenting the time spent in critical care correctly and adhering to the established guidelines to avoid billing errors.