Part B Insider (Multispecialty) Coding Alert
Reader Questions:
Driver's Physicals Probably Won't Qualify As E/M Visits
Published on Mon Feb 28, 2011
Question:
Answer:
Most insurance companies do not cover driver's physicals, even if you report a preventive E/M code (99381-99387 for a new patient or 99391-99397 for an established patient), because they do not perceive driver's physicals to be as "comprehensive" as a preventive E/M service is understood to be. Physician offices often create their own codes and fees for the encounter and ask patients to pay at the time of service.If you are in need of a diagnosis code to identify the driver's physical as such, consider V70.3 (General medical examination; Other medical examination for administrative purposes), which includes general medical exams for a driving license.
Other Articles in this issue of
Part B Insider (Multispecialty) Coding Alert
- Annual Wellness Visits:
You Aren't Legally Required to Offer AWVs, One MAC Says
Plus: RNs can perform AWVs even for new patients, as long as they meet state [...] - Correct Coding Initiative:
CCI Now Bars You From Reporting Alcohol and Tobacco Screening Codes With E/M Services
But the good news is that you'll soon be able to report operating microscope code [...] - Part B Mythbuster:
Don't Confuse Facility's Documentation Rules With Surgeon's Report
Concentrate on your physician's thorough note rather than comparing with the facility, experts say.Myth: When [...] - Medicare Error Rates:
Reporting 'Low-Level' 99211? You Still Need Complete Documentation, One MAC Reminds
Just because 99211 is known as a 'nurse visit' doesn't mean you can report it [...] - PQRS:
Know These 5 Common Pitfalls When Using PQRS
Once again, provider documentation could be the linchpin in your success.Whether you're new to CMS's [...] - Reader Questions:
Disease Counseling May Qualify You for Post-Op Pay
Question: We had a breast biopsy patient with a breast cancer diagnosis who had an [...] - Reader Questions:
Driver's Physicals Probably Won't Qualify As E/M Visits
Question: What is the best way to code and bill for driver's physicals? I'm thinking [...] - Reader Questions:
Know How to Report Nursing Home Visits
Question: How do I bill if our physician went to the nursing home to see [...] - Reader Questions:
Modifier 52 Applies to Terminated Procedures
Question: My cardiologist attempted a PTCA but determined after several attempts that it was impossible, [...] - Reader Questions:
Secondary Dx May Be Required With 702.11, 702.19
Question: Our physician excised a 0.4 cm lesion and documented, "She has a bleeding black [...] - Reader Questions:
Code Friction Burns Using Standard 'Burn' Dx Rules
Question: Our physician saw a patient who suffered multiple friction burns from a treadmill. He [...] - Physician Notes:
CMS Resolves Vast Majority of Hotline Complaints, OIG Report Says
Plus: CMS still hasn't set final date on ordering/referring provider edits.As most Part B practices [...] - In other news
Your Medicare contractor may not be instituting ordering/referring PECOS edits this July, CMS says.Currently, if [...]
View All
