What does CCM code 99489 represent?

• A. Each additional 30 minutes of staff time
• B. 20 minutes per month
• C. Initial face-to-face visit
• D. Remote monitoring

Answer: (A)

The main idea here is understanding how Chronic Care Management (CCM) is billed in time-based increments. After the initial CCM time is captured, additional time is billed in 30-minute blocks using an add-on code. Specifically, the add-on code represents each extra 30 minutes of clinical staff time that is directed by a physician or other qualified professional, and it is billed per calendar month. This time is non-face-to-face and includes activities like coordinating care, communicating with the patient and family, updating the care plan, and arranging services.

So, if a patient requires more than the initial 60 minutes in a month, you add 30-minute blocks with this add-on code for each block. For example, 90 minutes total would be the initial 60 minutes plus one additional 30-minute block. This code is not for an initial in-person visit, nor for remote monitoring.