Wiki E/Ms with procedures

[pamtienter]

I have physicians telling me that they have been told in the past that they can bill an E/M with a derm procedure such as wart destruction or lesion excision. (One says it's always a 99213.) I would agree an E/M would be warranted if it's a new patient and understand that the E/M should be "separate". I've used the 25 modifier description. Does anyone have any good references where I can get information to use as an education tool to define "separate"? I've explained about services unrelated or "above and beyond" the procedure but they would understand better if I had concrete proof. (Or maybe they'd believe me...) Any tips or ideas?

 

[Herbie Lorona]

The definition of the 25 modifier should be proof enought. It states "Significant, separately identifiable evaluation and management service by the same physician on the same day of the procedure or other service.". Did you show them the definition in Appendix A of the CPT book?

 

[Claudia Yoakum-Watson]

I have physicians telling me that they have been told in the past that they can bill an E/M with a derm procedure such as wart destruction or lesion excision. (One says it's always a 99213.) I would agree an E/M would be warranted if it's a new patient and understand that the E/M should be "separate". I've used the 25 modifier description. Does anyone have any good references where I can get information to use as an education tool to define "separate"? I've explained about services unrelated or "above and beyond" the procedure but they would understand better if I had concrete proof. (Or maybe they'd believe me...) Any tips or ideas?

I agree the 25 Modifier definition and description is a good place to start. Also, please note that an E/M can be billed for a new or established patient, as long as a significantly, separately identifiable E/M is documented.

 

[jaisheela]

Modifier -25 can be used to the E&M service on both NEW and ESTABLISHED patient.The physician may need to indicate that a procedure or service was performed, the patient's condition required a significant, separately identifiable E/M service above and beyond the other services provided.

Jaisheela BPT,CPC