Why are Evaluation and Management (E/M) Codes listed first in the CPT manual?

The selection of Evaluation and Management (E/M) codes to be listed first in the CPT manual is due to their applicability across various medical specialties. E/M codes represent a wide range of services that physicians and other qualified healthcare professionals provide when they evaluate and manage patient conditions. These services include office visits, consultations, and hospital admissions, making them fundamental to a vast array of medical practices.

By prioritizing E/M codes at the beginning of the CPT manual, the structure reflects the importance of these services in healthcare delivery and their frequent usage across all specialties. This positioning helps facilitate ease of access for medical professionals and coders who are often navigating the complexities of billing for patient interactions.

In contrast, the other options do not capture the primary reason for the placement of E/M codes. While they may be expensive, their cost is not the reason for their positioning in the manual. Similarly, while E/M codes are certainly relevant for administrative uses, and they may require significant documentation, these factors do not inherently justify why they are listed first. Their broad relevance to various medical fields is the key driving factor for their prominent positioning.