Which location is NOT considered when determining an E/M code?

When determining an Evaluation and Management (E/M) code, the location of the service plays a critical role, as it can affect the level of service and coding guidelines that apply. The surgical operating room is typically associated with specific surgical procedures rather than E/M services. E/M codes are primarily focused on assessing the complexity and the nature of the visit to the provider under the contexts such as the office, emergency room, or home health settings, where the provider interacts directly with the patient in a way that involves evaluation and management. These environments are designed for outpatient care, which is what E/M coding is intended to address.

In contrast, the surgical operating room is usually categorized under procedural codes rather than E/M codes, as it focuses more on the surgical interventions performed rather than the evaluation and management of patient health status. Therefore, when considering the context and guidelines for E/M coding, the surgical operating room is the location that does not factor into determining the appropriate E/M code.