What are the evaluation and management (E/M) codes used for?

E/M codes, or Evaluation and Management codes, are specifically designed to quantify and bill for the services that healthcare providers offer during patient encounters, including office visits, consultations, and other forms of clinical interaction. These codes capture the complexity, nature, and length of patient encounters, allowing practitioners to report and get reimbursed for their evaluations and management of patients' conditions.

The primary focus of E/M coding is on the interaction between the healthcare provider and the patient, which includes the evaluation of the patient's health status, the decision-making process involved in care, and any necessary follow-up actions. This is essential for accurately reflecting the services rendered and ensuring that healthcare providers are compensated appropriately for their work.