Neurology & Pain Management Coding Alert

Question: Should I report critical care codes and the appropriate modifier if my neurologist sees a patient in the intensive care unit (ICU) for two hours? He thinks we can report a new patient consultation with the critical care code.

Vermont Subscriber

Answer: If your physician meets and documents the criteria for critical care codes, you can report 99291 (Critical care, evaluation and management of the critically ill or critically injured patient; first 30-74 minutes) and +99292 (... each additional 30 minutes [list separately in addition to code for primary service]) as appropriate. Bill according to the documented time.

You do not need to report any modifiers for the critical care service -- simply submit 99291 and 99292.