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    v1.0.30
    OpenPayerBilling CodesOther Evaluation and Management ServicesCPT cpt-99499-unlisted-evaluation-and-management-service
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    CPT 99499: Unlisted Evaluation and Management Service

    CPT code 99499 is an unlisted evaluation and management service code used to report E/M encounters for which no specific CPT code exists, typically describing unique or atypical evaluation and management work performed in outpatient or other clinical settings where standard E/M codes do not apply; use of 99499 documents that an E/M service was provided when the clinical scenario falls outside established code descriptors.

    For related coverage guidance, see recent payer policy updates: Ambulance and Medical Transport Services (Ground, Air and Water) Corporate Medical Policy, Emergency Air/Water Ambulance Services Medical Guideline, Non-Emergent Ambulance Services.

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    Clinical & Coding Specifications

    Clinical Context

    A patient presents for an evaluation and management service that does not have a specific CPT code to describe the complexity or setting of care. Typical examples include a complex perioperative assessment not otherwise codified, a novel consultation for a multi-system diagnostic dilemma, or a lengthy care coordination visit after an unusual adverse event. The typical site of service is an outpatient clinic, inpatient hospital unit, emergency department, or surgical center when the clinical activity cannot be reported with an existing E/M or procedure code.

    A realistic scenario: A 68-year-old patient after an unusual perioperative complication requires an extended multidisciplinary physician evaluation to assess persistent hypotension, atypical neurologic deficits, and suspected medication interactions. The attending physician documents a comprehensive history, extended examination, coordination with pharmacy and neurology, and devises an individualized management plan over a prolonged visit. No specific CPT code captures the combination of extended E/M, coordination, and procedural oversight; the provider reports 99499 for the unlisted evaluation and management service. Usual workflow includes chart review, direct patient evaluation, documentation of medical decision making that exceeds standard visit codes, and attaching supporting documentation to justify medical necessity.

    Related CPT Codes

    CPT CodeDescriptionRelationship to This Procedure
    99221Initial hospital inpatient care, per day, for the evaluation and management of a patientMay be used for standard inpatient initial E/M services; 99499 is used only when no specific code applies to the evaluation provided.
    99283Emergency department visit for the evaluation and management of a patient, low to moderate severityTypical ED E/M code; 99499 may be used if the ED evaluation is atypical and not described by standard ED codes.
    99213Office or other outpatient visit for the evaluation and management of an established patient, typically 15 minutesCommon outpatient E/M code; 99499 applies when the service complexity or content is not represented by existing office visit codes.
    99354Prolonged service in the office or outpatient setting, with direct patient contact, first hourProlonged services often accompany complex evaluations; when prolonged care is unusual and not captured by existing codes, 99499 may be used alongside or instead, per payor rules.
    99024Postoperative follow-up visit global period, included in the surgical packageWhen postoperative issues require an atypical evaluation outside the global package and no specific code exists, 99499 may be reported if allowed by policy.

    Related Modifiers

    10 rows

    ModifierDescriptionWhen to Use
    22Modifier –22 (Increased Procedural Services) is used when a reported procedure is substantially more extensive than normally required. The CPT Manual and CMS state it may be appended only when the…- When to use: Append modifier -22 to a procedural CPT code when the service performed is substantially more extensive than the usual service described by that code — i.e., the procedure required…
    23Modifier -23 (Unusual Anesthesia) is used on anesthesia service CPT codes when a procedure that normally requires no anesthesia or only local anesthesia must be performed under general anesthesia…- Use modifier -23 only on anesthesia CPT codes (00100–01999) when a procedure that normally requires no anesthesia or only local anesthesia must be performed under general anesthesia because of…
    25CPT modifier 25 indicates that on the same day as another procedure or service, the same physician or other qualified health care professional provided a significant, separately identifiable…- When to apply: Use modifier 25 only on an E/M code to indicate the same provider delivered a significant, separately identifiable E/M service on the same day as another procedure or service — i.e.,…
    26Modifier 26 (Professional Component) identifies and bills only the professional portion of a split service — the physician’s interpretation, report, and medical judgment — when the technical…- Use CPT Modifier -26 when you are billing only the professional component (PC) of a split‑bill eligible service—i.e., you performed the physician interpretation, medical judgment and prepared a…
    52Modifier ‑52 (Reduced Services) indicates that a service or procedure was partially reduced or omitted at the provider’s discretion, allowing reporting of the basic procedure number with a qualifier…- Use modifier -52 when a physician or qualified health professional electively reduces or omits part of a procedure or service (for example, performing fewer required views or omitting a portion of…
    53Modifier 53 (Discontinued Procedure) signals that a surgical or diagnostic service was begun by the physician but terminated because of extenuating circumstances that threatened the patient’s…- Use modifier -53 when a physician/qualified healthcare professional has started a surgical or diagnostic procedure (e.g., anesthesia administered, incision or scope insertion) and then discontinues…
    62Modifier 62 indicates that two surgeons function as co‑surgeons, each performing distinct parts of the same primary surgical procedure. It is appended to the primary procedure code (and any…- Use modifier -62 when two surgeons act as co‑surgeons (both primary surgeons) on a single definitive primary procedure, each performing distinct parts of the same surgical procedure (append -62 to…
    80CPT® Modifier 80 (Assistant Surgeon) is appended to a surgical CPT code when a physician (MD or DO) provides full, continuous assistance throughout the operative procedure. It is intended only for…- Use CPT Modifier -80 when a physician (MD or DO) serves as an assistant surgeon and provides full, continuous assistance throughout the entire operative procedure; append -80 to the surgical CPT…
    95Modifier 95 indicates that a service was provided via synchronous, real‑time audio‑video telehealth rather than in‑person. Per CMS, AAPC and professional associations, append modifier 95 to claim…- Use modifier 95 to indicate a service was furnished via synchronous, real‑time audiovisual telehealth (a live audio‑video conference between patient and provider) rather than in‑person. - Pair…
    93Modifier 93 denotes that a billed service was delivered synchronously via audio-only telecommunications (real-time telephone or other audio-only system). The AMA added modifier 93 in CPT Appendix A…- When to use: Apply modifier -93 when a synchronous, real-time, two-way patient–provider encounter is conducted entirely via audio-only (telephone or other real-time interactive audio-only…

    Related Provider Taxonomies

    8 rows

    Taxonomy Code
    207Q00000X
    207RC0000X
    208000000X
    2084P0800X
    156FX1800X
    2080S0012X
    282NW0100X
    207WX0009X

    Related Payer Policy Updates

    Specialty: Emergency & Medical Transportation1 / 3

    10 rows

    PolicyPayerEffective Date
    Ambulance and Medical Transport Services (Ground, Air and Water) Corporate Medical Policybcbsvermont2026-10-01
    Emergency Air/Water Ambulance Services Medical GuidelineWPS Health Insurance2026-10-01
    Non-Emergent Ambulance ServicesConnectiCare2026-09-11
    Fixed Wing Air Ambulance TransportCigna2026-08-15
    Air AmbulanceAmbetter Georgia2026-08-01
    Ambulance Services (for New Mexico Only)UnitedHealthcare2026-08-01
    Ambulance Services (for Tennessee Only)UnitedHealthcare2026-08-01
    Clinical Policy: Air AmbulanceAmbetter Nevada2026-08-01
    Air AmbulanceCentene2026-08-01
    Clinical Policy: Air AmbulanceArizona Complete Health2026-08-01

    Frequently Asked Questions

    References

    1. 1.CPT® Codes and Descriptions. AAPC. Retrieved Aug 11, 2026.Maintains the CPT code set's official descriptions and guidelines, licensed from the American Medical Association, used as the definitional source for CPT codes on this page.
    2. 2.HCPCS Quarterly Update. Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS). Retrieved Aug 11, 2026.CMS's quarterly release of HCPCS Level II codes and short/long descriptors, the source for HCPCS code definitions and update history.
    3. 3.ICD-10-CM Full Code List. Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS). Retrieved Aug 11, 2026.CMS's complete ICD-10-CM diagnosis code list, used to cross-reference diagnosis codes associated with this procedure or service.
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