Standby services: which CPT code is used to report standby service requiring prolonged attendance?

Standby services: which CPT code is used to report standby service requiring prolonged attendance?

• A. 99360
• B. 99361
• C. 99362
• D. 99363

Answer: (A)

Standby services are time-based CPT codes used when a physician is on-site and available to provide care but is not actively treating the patient unless called. The amount of standby time drives which code is used, with a base code for the initial prolonged standby period and additional codes available if more time is required. In this scenario, the code chosen to report standby service with prolonged attendance is the base standby code, which captures the physician’s prolonged on-site availability to attend if needed. If the standby time extends further, you would use the corresponding higher-time standby codes to reflect the added duration.

Standby services are time-based CPT codes used when a physician is on-site and available to provide care but is not actively treating the patient unless called. The amount of standby time drives which code is used, with a base code for the initial prolonged standby period and additional codes available if more time is required. In this scenario, the code chosen to report standby service with prolonged attendance is the base standby code, which captures the physician’s prolonged on-site availability to attend if needed. If the standby time extends further, you would use the corresponding higher-time standby codes to reflect the added duration.