Cardiology Coding Alert

Question: If we report chronic care management, what’s the date of service?

West Virginia Subscriber

Answer: Use the first date “that a qualified piece of the chronic care management (CCM) service is provided and documented in the patient’s record after the chronic care agreement has been signed by the patient,” according to J11 Part B MAC Palmetto GBA (www.palmettogba.com/palmetto/providers.nsf/DocsCat/Jurisdiction-11-Part-B~9VSJS64274).

In later months, report the CCM code “no sooner than 30 days from the date of the last CCM code.”

The proper code is 99490 (Chronic care management services, at least 20 minutes of clinical staff time directed by a physician or other qualified health care professional, per calendar month, with the following required elements: multiple [two or more] chronic conditions expected to last at least 12 months, or until the death of the patient; chronic conditions place the patient at significant risk of death, acute exacerbation/decompensation, or functional decline; comprehensive care plan established, implemented, revised, or monitored).

To learn more about proper use of the code, review the instructions at www.cms.gov/Outreach-and-Education/Medicare-Learning-Network-MLN/MLNProducts/Downloads/ChronicCareManagement.pdf.