Pulmonology Coding Alert

Question: A respiratory therapist in our practice provided E/M to a patient. Can we bill for this service?

New York Subscriber

Answer: Providing evaluation and management services (99201-99215) are basic to the administrative functions of the respiratory therapy department in such a way that you would calculate the cost for patient E/M by the therapist into the charge for therapeutic or diagnostic procedures billed by the department. Do not bill a separate charge for patient E/M or assessment and education.