What is the appropriate code to report for critical care services lasting less than 30 minutes?

The correct code for reporting critical care services lasting less than 30 minutes is actually 99291. This code is specifically used to document the first 30-74 minutes of critical care provided to a patient, indicating the need for immediate, intensive medical care.

For clarification, 99292 is applicable for each additional 30 minutes beyond the first 74 minutes of critical care services. Therefore, if a provider is documenting less than 30 minutes of critical care, they would not use this code, as it is meant for longer durations of care.

The codes 99218 and 99217 relate to other specific evaluation and management services, particularly for initial hospital care and observation situations, which are not relevant to the context of critical care services. Therefore, they are not suitable choices for this question concerning the duration of critical care services.

In summary, 99291 is the appropriate code to use when reporting the first segment of critical care services, while 99292 would apply if the service lasted longer than that initial period, demonstrating the distinction between levels of service based on the time spent providing critical care.