Neurosurgery Coding Alert

Question: Sometimes patients see two of our physicians on the same day. Can I submit an E/M code for both physicians? Nebraska Subscriber Answer: It depends on the physicians specialties: " Same: When two physicians in the same specialty and same practice see a patient on the same day, you may see denials if you try to report an E/M service for each. Payers limit your option to one E/M service per day per specialty in the same group practice. " Different: You can report two E/M services for one patient on the same day if the patient sees two of your physicians who have different specialties. If two neurosurgeons in the same group with different specialties see a patient on the same day, however, you should be compensated for both services. Example: A patient sees your practices physiatrists for cervical instability (723.8, Other syndromes affecting cervical region) and pain [...]