Injection Procedures and E/M Codes

DAVID STERN, MD (Practice Velocity) Q.Can we bill an evaluation and management code along with the code for administration of an intravenous injection? A.Although it may seem obvious to expect reimbursement in these situations, Medicare waited until 2006 to begin reimbursing physicians for a separate E/M (99201- 99205, 99212-99215) when  performed at the same time as IV drug administration. The Medicare Claims Processing Manual states, “Medicare will pay for medically necessary office/outpatient visits billed on …

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How to Use the Level 1 Established Patient E/M Code (99211)

DAVID STERN, MD (Practice Velocity) Q.What is the code 99211? A.The official description is as follows: “Office or other outpatient visit for the evaluation and management of an established patient, that may not require the presence of a physician. Usually, the presenting problem(s) are minimal. Typically, five minutes are spent performing or supervising these services.” This is a low-level Evaluation and Management (E/M) service. The code requires a face-to-face patient encounter with a staff member …

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