What does code 99291 report?

Code 99291 is designed to report the first 30-74 minutes of critical care services provided to a patient. Critical care service codes, like 99291, address the need for urgent or immediate medical attention to patients with acute life-threatening conditions. The time requirement for this code reflects the extensive work and involvement of healthcare professionals necessary to manage a patient's critical status effectively.

By establishing the time frame between 30 to 74 minutes, this code ensures that the complexity and intensity of care delivered during this critical interval are appropriately recognized and compensated. It's essential for coders to understand the specific time thresholds associated with critical care codes to ensure accurate billing and compliance with coding guidelines, as this reflects the level of medical decision-making required during these high-stakes scenarios.