Add on code 99417: Only use with highest E/M level codes 99205, 99215. Also refer to the tables in the Prolonged Service guidelines for proper reporting time.

Add on code 99417: Only use with highest E/M level codes 99205, 99215. Also refer to the tables in the Prolonged Service guidelines for proper reporting time.

• A. True
• B. False
• C. Only for inpatient services
• D. Only when time exceeds 2 hours

Answer: (A)

Prolonged service reporting uses add-on code 99417 to capture the extra time spent with a patient during an outpatient E/M encounter. This code is only used when the base visit is already at the highest level for that setting, which for office/outpatient visits are 99205 for a new patient and 99215 for an established patient. The Prolonged Services guidelines include tables that specify the exact time thresholds and how many additional 99417 units may be reported; you add 99417 in addition to the base E/M code only when the time spent meets those table-based criteria. It does not apply to lower-level E/M codes and is not used for inpatient services.

Prolonged service reporting uses add-on code 99417 to capture the extra time spent with a patient during an outpatient E/M encounter. This code is only used when the base visit is already at the highest level for that setting, which for office/outpatient visits are 99205 for a new patient and 99215 for an established patient. The Prolonged Services guidelines include tables that specify the exact time thresholds and how many additional 99417 units may be reported; you add 99417 in addition to the base E/M code only when the time spent meets those table-based criteria. It does not apply to lower-level E/M codes and is not used for inpatient services.