Wiki Patch Testing 95044

[TianaElyse]

Hello! Our clinic performs patch testing, CPT 95044. When the patient returns for their 48 hour visit, the MA will see the patient and we bill 99211. When they return for their 72 hour visit and the provider reads the tests we normally bill a 99212+ depending on what was done/discussed.

With the new E/M guidelines, we should not bill for interpretations of tests ordered by the same physician. This would be "double-dipping". I believe we can still bill for the nurse visits, but how do we document the provider visit when he is reading the test? Can the provider still change an E/M if there is a reaction and they discuss treatment for that allergen?

 

[thomas7331]

The provider can still bill for the E/M service, but the ordering and interpretation of the results for the patch test would not be counted toward the MDM level when assigning a code level since that was included in the charge for the test. You can still consider the other elements documented in that visit toward the E/M code you select.

 

[TianaElyse]

The provider can still bill for the E/M service, but the ordering and interpretation of the results for the patch test would not be counted toward the MDM level when assigning a code level since that was included in the charge for the test. You can still consider the other elements documented in that visit toward the E/M code you select.

In the instance a patient did not have a reaction, would you still code the visit by time? The provider is still spending time documenting the patient's chart, spends time counseling the patient, or sometimes writes a report to the PCP. Even though it's related to the reading is this still "above and beyond"?

 

[chindaneeprak@gmail.com]

Hi! New to allergy/immunology coding here.
Should 95044 be billed on the date of patch test/application or on the 48hrs or 96hrs read date? I have a physician that is using the read date. Is this correct? Any feedback is appreciated. Thanks so much in advance.