CPT 99291

Critical Care - First 30-74 minutes

Evaluation and management of critically ill patient, first 30-74 minutes.

30-74 minutes
4.50 work RVU
4 requirements

Documentation Requirements

  1. 1Critical illness/injury with high probability of life-threatening deterioration
  2. 2High complexity medical decision making
  3. 3Total critical care time (excluding separately billable procedures)
  4. 4Direct patient care activities performed

Billing Tips

  • •Time-based: 30-74 minutes = 99291
  • •Additional 30-minute increments = 99292
  • •Document total critical care time
  • •Cannot bill separately for most bundled services

Frequently Asked Questions

What time counts toward critical care?

Time spent at bedside or immediately available, reviewing data, documenting, discussing care with family (for decision-making), coordinating care. Does not include time for separately billable procedures.

Automate Critical Care First Hour Documentation

Scribeable captures all required elements for CPT 99291 from your patient conversation. Generate compliant notes in seconds.

Common Diagnoses

J96.01R65.21I46.9

Related Specialties

critical carepulmonologyemergency medicinehospitalist

Related Procedures

CPT 992131.30 work RVU

Office Visit Level 3

Established patient office visit with low level of medical decision making.

CPT 992141.92 work RVU

Office Visit Level 4

Established patient office visit with moderate level of medical decision making.

CPT 992152.80 work RVU

Office Visit Level 5

Established patient office visit with high level of medical decision making.

CPT 992031.60 work RVU

New Patient Level 3

New patient office visit with low level of medical decision making.

CPT 99291: Critical Care - First 30-74 minutes

Evaluation and management of critically ill patient, first 30-74 minutes.

Documentation Requirements

  1. Critical illness/injury with high probability of life-threatening deterioration
  2. High complexity medical decision making
  3. Total critical care time (excluding separately billable procedures)
  4. Direct patient care activities performed

Billing Tips

  • Time-based: 30-74 minutes = 99291
  • Additional 30-minute increments = 99292
  • Document total critical care time
  • Cannot bill separately for most bundled services

Frequently Asked Questions

What time counts toward critical care?

Time spent at bedside or immediately available, reviewing data, documenting, discussing care with family (for decision-making), coordinating care. Does not include time for separately billable procedures.

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