Wiki 99211 for xray referral?

[wynonna]

Our patient came in for an allergy shot.
While with our Medical Assistant, she told her that her foot was sore, which our MA then relayed to our MD.
Our MD then advised patient, through our MA, to go get an xray. The xray was performed elsewhere, but the results were given to us as a fracture.
The patient did not see the MD, but did see our Medical Assistant (MA)
Are we entitled to bill a 99211 for all of the above (plus the allergy shot)
thanks

 

[kdlberg]

Technically, you could, because you have a separate chief complaint (sore foot), and straightforward MDM (referral for x-ray, minimal risk.) As long as it's documented in the encounter. Don't forget your modifier.

Most places I've worked, we haven't bothered with 99211. And I've also noticed several payers won't pay for it unless the doctor was in the room at some point. YMMV.