Podiatry Coding & Billing Alert

Question: The podiatrist performed a home visit 99341 for a new patient. Which POS should we bill for a home visit?

Florida Subscriber

Answer: You should only report place of service (POS) 12 (Home) for home visit codes 99341-99350. You use these codes to report evaluation and management (E/M) services the podiatrist provides for a patient who lives in a private residence such as a private home, apartment, or townhome.

The home visit code you mention specifically is 99341 (Home visit for the evaluation and management of a new patient, which requires these 3 key components: A problem focused history; A problem focused examination; and Straightforward medical decision making. Counseling and/or coordination of care with other physicians, other qualified health care professionals, or agencies are provided consistent with the nature of the problem(s) and the patient's and/or family's needs. Usually, the presenting problem(s) are of low severity. Typically, 20 minutes are spent face-to-face with the patient and/or family).

Don't forget: You would report 99341 for new patients only, and the podiatrist must provide all three of the components listed in the descriptor: a problem-focused history, a problem-focused exam, and straightforward medical decision making.

Caution: One common mistake people make is reporting POS 16 (Temporary lodging) for home visits. The CPT^® manual defines POS 16 as "a short-term accommodation such as a hotel, campground, hostel, cruise ship, or resort where the patient receives care." You should never report POS 16 for home visits.