Radiology Coding Alert

Question: Can you please provide guidance for when it is appropriate to use T1013 when a patient comes in with an interpreter? What kind of documentation is required?

Codify Subscriber

Answer: Medicare and most other payers do not separately reimburse interpretive services. Physicians are required to comply with-the 1964 Civil Rights Act, as amended; Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973; the Age Discrimination Act of 1975; the Omnibus Reconciliation Act of 1981; the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990; and all other applicable federal and state laws that prohibit discrimination in the delivery of services on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, sex, handicap/ disability, or religious beliefs.

So, Medicare and private payers usually consider interpretive services “incidental” to the rendered service, such as an office visit (99201-99215). Code T1013 (Sign language or oral interpretive services, per 15 minutes) is not valid for Medicare, but may be based on coding and reimbursement guidelines for your state Medicaid program. Some nongovernment payers may consider coverage for the extra time associated with treating a patient who requires interpreter services. Check with your payer to see if this might be a coding option.