EM Coding Alert

Hint: Time is the deciding factor.

It’s no secret that evaluation and management (E/M) coders have to keep up with a lot of info like knowing the differences between consults and referrals, how to report telemedicine codes, how to determine the appropriate level for the E/M service, and how to correctly use 99211.

Take this quiz to see how well you remember topics from past Coding Alerts and prevent payment from slipping through your fingers.

Question 1: True or False? You do not have to apply a modifier to the services the locum tenens (LT) physician provides in the following scenario: Dr. Miller, a family practice physician, is diagnosed with breast cancer. She decides to take six weeks off while she goes through her first round of chemotherapy treatments. Dr. Miller chooses to bring in a LT physician, Dr. Carr, to cover for her during her absence. Remember, Dr. Carr, can only cover for the original physician, Dr. Miller, for up to 60 days. You would submit the bill for the services under the absent physician’s ID (Dr. Miller’s), while paying the locum per diem or an hourly rate.

Question 2: To ensure that you’re properly reporting the hospital discharge codes, what documentation detail is a good starting place?

Question 3: When you report a telemedicine service with the new POS 02 (Telehealth: The location where health services and health related services are provided or received, through a telecommunication system) code, do you know which modifiers you must append to the service?

Question 4: Can you ever appropriately report modifiers 24 and 25 together on the same claim?