Wiki E/M 2023 and CPT Codes

JillMedicalBiller

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In the Office and Outpatient setting, say, a patient comes in for Flu and Covid tests. A total of two tests are ordered and reviewed at that visit.
Using the E/M 2023 calculator, that makes it a 99203 for a new patient. Can you bill for the 99203 and bill the CPT codes for the Flu test and the Covid test? Or does billing the Covid and Flu tests bump the 99203 down to a 99202?
Thanks so much for any information on this! :)
 
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1) You are only addressing the DATA portion in your question, and you cannot determine the total level of the visit by only 1 of the 3 elements. You could even have moderate problem and moderate risk, with zero tests and have 99204.
2) Your question seems to be whether or not you may count the ordering of a test your practice is performing. If the test is a result only (no interpretation or report), then yes.
►The ordering and actual performance and/or interpretation of diagnostic tests/studies during a
patient encounter are not included in determining the levels of E/M services when the
professional interpretation of those tests/studies is reported separately by the physician or other
qualified health care professional reporting the E/M service. Tests that do not require separate
interpretation (eg, tests that are results only) and are analyzed as part of MDM do not count as an
independent interpretation, but may be counted as ordered or reviewed for selecting an MDM
level. The performance of diagnostic tests/studies for which specific CPT codes are available
may be reported separately, in addition to the appropriate E/M code. The interpretation of the
results of diagnostic tests/studies (ie, professional component) with preparation of a separate
distinctly identifiable signed written report may also be reported separately, using the appropriate
CPT code and, if required, with modifier 26 appended.◄

FYI - it is often helpful to search the forum first before asking a question to see if it has previously been asked/answered/discussed.
 
1) You are only addressing the DATA portion in your question, and you cannot determine the total level of the visit by only 1 of the 3 elements. You could even have moderate problem and moderate risk, with zero tests and have 99204.
2) Your question seems to be whether or not you may count the ordering of a test your practice is performing. If the test is a result only (no interpretation or report), then yes.
►The ordering and actual performance and/or interpretation of diagnostic tests/studies during a
patient encounter are not included in determining the levels of E/M services when the
professional interpretation of those tests/studies is reported separately by the physician or other
qualified health care professional reporting the E/M service. Tests that do not require separate
interpretation (eg, tests that are results only) and are analyzed as part of MDM do not count as an
independent interpretation, but may be counted as ordered or reviewed for selecting an MDM
level. The performance of diagnostic tests/studies for which specific CPT codes are available
may be reported separately, in addition to the appropriate E/M code. The interpretation of the
results of diagnostic tests/studies (ie, professional component) with preparation of a separate
distinctly identifiable signed written report may also be reported separately, using the appropriate
CPT code and, if required, with modifier 26 appended.◄

FYI - it is often helpful to search the forum first before asking a question to see if it has previously been asked/answered/discussed.
Thank you so much for the information and the link! Really appreciate it! :) Have a great day!
 
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