Wiki can we bill when patient is not in office?

[Orthocoderpgu]

Patient is elderly and on their death bed. Their family comes to the patient's physician for advice and what to do since our doc knows the patient very well. Since the patient was at home on their death bed, is this a billable visit? And if so, what would be the code? Thanks for any advice.

 

[rryder1963]

Depends on the Insurance Company

Because E&M codes state the typical times spent face-to-face with the patient and/or family, some insurances will pay for E&M codes when only family members see the provider to talk about their loved one's medical issues. Medicare, however, will not pay for an E&M code in which the beneficiary is not present during the encounter.
So, check with the patient's insurance carrier as to their specific policy about billing these types of encounters.

 

[cheermom68]

Assuming the 90 year old is Medicare, no billable visit.