Medical Coding Chapter 10 Review (70+ Q&A) – E/M Codes, Patient Status, MDM, Consults, Time-Based Coding | 2025/2026

This comprehensive chapter-based review includes 70+ exam-style questions with correct answers from Chapter 10 of the 2025/2026 Medical Coding curriculum, focusing on Evaluation & Management (E/M) coding and associated documentation guidelines. The content helps students master outpatient visit codes, hospital services, decision-making levels, consultation reporting, and time-dependent services as defined in CPT coding standards. Key topics covered: E/M code categories: New vs. established patients, initial vs. subsequent hospital visits, office visits, observation, emergency department services, and consultations Code selection criteria: Place of service, type of service, patient status, and number of components met (history, exam, medical decision making) History & MDM levels: Four levels each (problem-focused to comprehensive), and the rules for selecting the lowest or majority level for code assignment Hospital discharge codes: Based on time (<30 min or >30 min), and correct use of 99238 and 99239 Emergency department coding: 99281–99285 explained by severity levels; life-threatening situations and history limitations in ED settings Consultation and critical care: Conditions for reporting consults, attending vs. consulting physician, transfer of care, and criteria for critical care billing Time-based services: Face-to-face vs. floor/unit time, prolonged services, counseling, and care coordination documentation Special terms: ROS (review of systems), inpatient vs. outpatient definitions, VLBW, initial/subsequent visits, concurrent care This guide is perfect for: Medical coding students preparing for E/M-focused exams (CPC, CCS, CBCS) Healthcare trainees needing strong command of E/M guidelines and time-based coding HIM and HIT students reviewing core CPT categories Instructors building quizzes or content for advanced coding modules Keywords: E/M coding, CPT 99201–99285, new vs established patient, medical decision making, MDM levels, outpatient visit codes, hospital discharge, time-based coding, consultation codes, critical care, observation codes, concurrent care, VLBW, counseling documentation, CPT guidelines