Wiki Drug pre auth

[amylynne69]

I have a provider who wants to count the amount of time his staff spends getting pre auths for medications as part of the work done when choosing an e/m code. Is this permissible? If so, is just having the pre auth notes in the chart under the visit all you need?

 

[LLovett]

No, this would not be appropriate

E/M services billed based on time are based on provider time only and being face to face with the patient. Work performed by the staff cannot be counted towards this.


Laura, CPC, CPMA, CPC-I, CANPC, CEMC

 

[amylynne69]

I think he is saying that the staff having to be on hold for fifteen minutes trying to get the pre-auth somehow adds to the complexity of the MDM. I didn't think he could count it, but, am trying to help him figure it out. Thanks!