ED Coding and Reimbursement Alert

Among the CPT 2002 changes are two new codes describing patient transport services, although ED physicians most likely will use them only rarely.
 
The new codes are 99289 (physician constant attention of the critically ill or injured patient during an interfacility transport; first 30-74 minutes) and 99290 ( each additional 30 minutes [list separately in addition to code for primary service]). These codes are intended only for direct, face-to-face care by a physician while a patient is being transported from one facility to another. The first 30 minutes of care is not reportable with these codes. Physician direction of emergency care to the transporting staff is not covered and would continue to be reported with 99288 (physician direction of emergency medical systems [EMS] emergency care, advanced life support).
 
Services provided and procedures performed during transport may be reported in addition to 99289 and 99290, with the exception of routine monitoring and initiation of mechanical ventilation.