If pediatric standby lasts 60 minutes, how many units of 99360 should be reported?

If pediatric standby lasts 60 minutes, how many units of 99360 should be reported?

• A. 1
• B. 2
• C. 3
• D. 0

Answer: (B)

Standby time is billed based on time in fixed blocks, specifically 30-minute blocks for this code. Each 30-minute block of standby qualifies for one unit of 99360. A 60-minute standby covers two 30-minute blocks, so you report two units. In other words, 60 minutes = two 30-minute units, which is why two units are correct. If the standby lasts longer, you’d add more 30-minute units in the same way, following any payer-specific rounding rules.

Standby time is billed based on time in fixed blocks, specifically 30-minute blocks for this code. Each 30-minute block of standby qualifies for one unit of 99360. A 60-minute standby covers two 30-minute blocks, so you report two units. In other words, 60 minutes = two 30-minute units, which is why two units are correct. If the standby lasts longer, you’d add more 30-minute units in the same way, following any payer-specific rounding rules.