Gastroenterology Coding Alert

Question: When I provide therapy for Crohn's disease patients at the hospital rather than at the office, should I report 90780 and 90781? New Hampshire Subscriber Answer: If you are a physician or in the presence of a physician when Remicade is administered, use 90780 (Intravenous infusion for therapy/diagnosis, administered by physician or under direct supervision of physician; up to one hour) for the first hour and +90781 ( each additional hour, up to eight [8] hours [list separately in addition to code for primary procedure]) for each additional hour up to eight hours. 90781 cannot be used alone since it is an "add-on" code, i.e., 90780 must be used first. The place of service has no bearing. This code is strictly for physician work and is billed and reimbursed the same regardless of location. See the August issue of Gastroenterology Coding Alert (page 59) for more on reporting Remicade infusions.