Medical billing cpt modifiers and list of medicare modifiers.

Time 2020-12-08 11:03:23

Web Name: Medical billing cpt modifiers and list of medicare modifiers.

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Medical billing cpt modifiers with procedure codes example. Modifier 59, Modifier 25, modifier 51, modifier 76, modifier 57, modifier 26 TC, evaluation and management billing modifier and all modifier in Medical billing. Modifier code list. How to use the correct modifier. HCPCS Modifier for radiology, surgery and emergency.Billing Coding/Physician Documentation Information97110 Therapeutic procedure, 1 or more areas, each 15 minutes; therapeutic exercises to develop strength and endurance, range of motion and flexibility97112 Therapeutic procedure, 1 or more areas, each 15 minutes; neuromuscular reeducation of movement, balance, coordination, kinesthetic sense, posture, and/or proprioception for sitting and/or standing activities97113 Therapeutic procedure, 1 or more areas, each 15 minutes; aquatic therapy with therapeutic exercises97116 Therapeutic procedure, 1 or more areas, each 15 minutes; gait training (includes stair climbing)97124 Therapeutic procedure, 1 or more areas, each 15 minutes; massage, including effleurage, petrissage and/or tapotement (stroking, compression, percussion)97139 Unlisted therapeutic procedure (specify)Counting Minutes for Timed Codes in 15 Minute UnitsWhen only one service is provided in a day, providers should not bill for services performed for less than 8 minutes. For any single timed CPT code in the same day measured in 15 minute units, providers bill a single 15-minute unit for treatment greater than or equal to 8 minutes through and including 22 minutes. If the duration of a single modality or procedure in a day is greater than or equal to 23 minutes, through and including 37 minutes, then 2 units should be billed. Time intervals for 1 through 8 units are as follows:Units Number of Minutes1 unit: = 8 minutes through 22 minutes2 units: = 23 minutes through 37 minutes3 units: = 38 minutes through 52 minutes4 units: = 53 minutes through 67 minutes5 units: = 68 minutes through 82 minutes6 units: = 83 minutes through 97 minutes7 units: = 98 minutes through 112 minutes8 units: = 113 minutes through 127 minutesThe pattern remains the same for treatment times in excess of 2 hours.If a service represented by a 15 minute timed code is performed in a single day for at least 15 minutes, that service shall be billed for at least one unit. If the service is performed for at least 30 minutes, that service shall be billed for at least two units, etc. It is not appropriate to count all minutes of treatment in a day toward the units for one code if other services were performed for more than 15 minutes. See examples 2 and 3 below.When more than one service represented by 15 minute timed codes is performed in a single day, the total number of minutes of service (as noted on the chart above) determines the number of timed units billed. See example 1 below.If any 15 minute timed service that is performed for 7 minutes or less than 7 minutes on the same day as another 15 minute timed service that was also performed for 7 minutes or less and the total time of the two is 8 minutes or greater than 8 minutes, then bill one unit for the service performed for the most minutes. This is correct because the total time is greater than the minimum time for one unit. The same logic is applied when three or more different services are provided for 7 minutes or less than 7 minutes. See example 5 below.The expectation (based on the work values for these codes) is that a provider s direct patient contact time for each unit will average 15 minutes in length. If a provider has a consistent practice of billing less than 15 minutes for a unit, these situations should be highlighted for review.If more than one 15 minute timed CPT code is billed during a single calendar day, then the total number of timed units that can be billed is constrained by the total treatment minutes for that day. See all examples below.Pub. 100-02, Medicare Benefit Policy Manual, Chapter 15, Section 220.3B, Documentation Requirements for Therapy Services, indicates that the amount of time for each specific intervention/modality provided to the patient is not required to be documented in the Treatment Note. However, the total number of timed minutes must be documented. These examples indicate how to count the appropriate number of units for the total therapy minutes provided.Example 1 24 minutes of neuromuscular reeducation, code 97112,23 minutes of therapeutic exercise, code 97110,Total timed code treatment time was 47 minutes.See the chart above. The 47 minutes falls within the range for 3 units = 38 to 52 minutes.Appropriate billing for 47 minutes is only 3 timed units. Each of the codes is performed for more than 15 minutes, so each shall be billed for at least 1 unit. The correct coding is 2 units of code 97112 and one unit of code 97110, assigning more timed units to the service that took the most time.Example 2 20 minutes of neuromuscular reeducation (97112)20 minutes therapeutic exercise (97110),40 Total timed code minutes.Appropriate billing for 40 minutes is 3 units. Each service was done at least 15 minutes and should be billedfor at least one unit, but the total allows 3 units. Since the time for each service is the same, choose eithercode for 2 units and bill the other for 1 unit. Do not bill 3 units for either one of the codes.Example 3 33 minutes of therapeutic exercise (97110),7 minutes of manual therapy (97140),40 Total timed minutesAppropriate billing for 40 minutes is for 3 units. Bill 2 units of 97110 and 1 unit of 97140. Count the first 30 minutes of 97110 as two full units. Compare the remaining time for 97110 (33-30 = 3 minutes) to the time spent on 97140 (7 minutes) and bill the larger, which is 97140.Example 4 18 minutes of therapeutic exercise (97110),13 minutes of manual therapy (97140),10 minutes of gait training (97116),8 minutes of ultrasound (97035),49 Total timed minutesAppropriate billing is for 3 units. Bill the procedures you spent the most time providing. Bill 1 unit each of 97110, 97116, and 97140. You are unable to bill for the ultrasound because the total time of timed units that can be billed is constrained by the total timed code treatment minutes (i.e., you may not bill 4 units for lessthan 53 minutes regardless of how many services were performed). You would still document the ultrasound in the treatment notes.Example 5 7 minutes of neuromuscular reeducation (97112)7 minutes therapeutic exercise (97110)7 minutes manual therapy (97140)21 Total timed minutesAppropriate billing is for one unit. The qualified professional (See definition in Pub. 100-02, chapter 15, section 220) shall select one appropriate CPT code (97112, 97110, 97140) to bill since each unit was performed for the same amount of time and only one unit is allowed.NOTE: The above schedule of times is intended to provide assistance in rounding time into 15-minute increments. It does not imply that any minute until the eighth should be excluded from the total count. The total minutes of active treatment counted for all 15 minute timed codes includes all direct treatment time forthe timed codes. Total treatment minutes - including minutes spent providing services represented by untimed codes - are also documented. For documentation in the medical record of the services provided see Pub. 100-02, chapter 15, section 220.3.Therapeutic ProceduresTherapeutic Procedures (codes 97110-97546) were added to CPT in 1995 to clarify the differences between Therapeutic Procedures, Modalities, and Tests and Measurements. A Therapeutic Procedure is defined as a manner of effecting change through the application of clinical skills and/or services that attempt to improve function. These procedures require direct one-on-one patient contact by a physician or therapist. The descriptions for most of these codes reflect 15-minute intervals.Common components included as part of Therapeutic Procedures include chart reviews for treatment, setup of activities and the equipment area, and review of previous documentation as needed. Subsequent to providing the therapeutic service, the treatment is recorded, and the patient s progress is documented. The patient health record should list the duration of the procedure time.Therapeutic Procedures are intended to be performed with one-on-one patient contact. If a provider is performing Therapeutic Procedures in a group of two or more individuals, CPT code 97150 should be reported. Time and/or the number of Therapeutic Procedures are not specified in this code so it should only be billed once per patient per visit.To illustrate, a practitioner spends 10 minutes working with patient X on therapeutic exercises to develop strength and endurance. The practitioner instructs patient X to continue the exercises for 5 or more minutes and attends to another patient, patient Y, during this time, while continuing to supervise patient X. The practitioner returns to patient X and spends another 5 minutes directly working with him, and once again instructs patient X to continue a particular exercise for 5 minutes. The practitioner again attends to patient Y during this time, and then returns to patient X to work directly with him for another 5 minutes. Should code 97150 be reported, or should code 97110 be reported twice**From a CPT coding perspective, code 97110 requires the practitioner to maintain direct patient contact (i.e., visual, verbal, and/or manual contact) during provision of the service, so 97110 should only be reported when the practitioner is providing therapy to one patient alone. When the practitioner is working with several patients at the same time, then CPT code 97150 should be reported. The specific type of therapy provided (e.g., 97110) to the group therapy code.What is considered a unit of time when reporting time based codes**A Review of Reporting Time-Based Codes: According to the codebook's instruction, a unit of time is attained when the mid-point is passed. For example, an hour is attained when 31 minutes have elapsed (more than midway between zero and sixty minutes) When codes are ranked in sequential typical times and the actual time is between two typical times, the code with the typical time closest to the actual time is used (CPT 2014; page xv).Therefore based on the time guidelines provided in the CPT code set, it is not appropriate to append modifier 52, Reduced Services, to codes 97110-97546. Services of less than eight minutes would not be reported. To illustrate further, when reporting Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation code 97110, a time-based code can be reported for each 15-minute unit. Multiple units can be reported on a date of service for one or moreprocedures based on the aggregate amount of time spent by a qualified health care professional in direct contact with the patient. As with any 15-minute time based code, it is important to recognize that a substantial portion of the 15 minutes must be spent in performing the pre-, intra-, and post service work in order to report the time-based code. If only five minutes are spent performing the physical medicine service, the code should not be reported. A minimum of eight minutes of therapeutic exercises is required to report code 97110. Medicare Guidelines for Timed Codes:Medicare guidelines are different from the above in that providers should report the code for the time actually spent in delivery of the modality requiring constant attendance and therapy services. Pre- and post-delivery services are not to be counted in determining the treatment service time. In other words, the time counted as intraservice care begins when the therapist, physician, or assistant under the supervision of a physician, is delivering treatment services. The patient should already be in the treatment area (e.g., on the treatment table or mat or in the gym) and prepared to begin treatment.The time counted is the time the patient is treated. For example, if gait training for a patient with a recent stroke requires both a therapist and an assistant, or even two therapists to manage the patient on the parallel bars, each 15 minutes the patient is being treated counts as one unit of 97116. The time the patient spends not being treated because of the need for toileting or resting should not be billed. In addition, the time spent waiting to use a piece of equipment or for other treatment to begin is not considered treatment time.For any single CPT code, providers would bill Medicare a single 15-minute unit for treatment greater than or equal to 8 minutes and less than 23 minutes. If the duration of a single modality or procedure is greater than or equal to 23 minutes to less than 38 minutes, then 2 units should be billed. Time intervals for larger numbers of units are as follows:3 units 38 minutes to 53 minutes4 units 53 minutes to 68 minutes5 units 68 minutes to 83 minutes6 units 83 minutes to 98 minutes7 units 98 minutes to 113 minutes8 units 113 minutes to 128 minutesThe pattern remains the same for treatment times in excess of 2 hours. Providers should not bill for services performed for less than 8 minutes. The expectation (based on the work values for these codes) is that a provider s time for each unit will average 15 minutes in length. If a provider has a practice of billing less than 15 minutes for a unit, these situations should be highlighted for review.The above schedule of times is intended to provide assistance in rounding time into 15-minute increments. It does not imply that any minute until the 8th should be excluded from the total count as the timing of active treatment counted includes all time.It is advisable that the beginning and ending time of the treatment should be recorded in the patient s medical record along with the note describing the treatment and patient s progress. If more than one CPT code is billed during a calendar day, then the total number of units that can be billed is constrained by the total treatment time, see examples below.Example 1: If 24 minutes of 97112 and 23 minutes of 97110 were furnished, then the total treatment time was 47 minutes, so only 3 units can be billed for the treatment. The correct coding is 2 units of 97112 and one unit of 97110, assigning more units to the service that took more time.Example 2: If a therapist delivers 5 minutes of 97035 (ultrasound), 6 minutes of 97140 (manual techniques), and 10 minutes of 97110 (therapeutic exercise), then the total minutes are 21 and only one unit can be paid. Bill one unit of 97110 (the service with the longest time) and the clinical record will serve as documentation that the other two services were also performed.QUICK GUIDE TO USING THE PTA MODIFIER with therapy proceduresBeginning January 1, 2020, CMS requires the use of the CQ modifier to denote outpatient therapy services furnished in whole or in part by a physical therapist assistant (PTA) in physical therapist (PT) private practices, skilled nursing facilities, home health agencies, outpatient hospitals, rehabilitation agencies, and comprehensive outpatient rehabilitation facilities. (A similar modifier, identified as CO, is required for services furnished by an occupational therapy assistant.)Beginning January 1, 2022, these services will be paid at 85% of the Medicare physician fee schedule amount that is otherwise applicable.Note: Check the policies for all your non-Medicare fee-for-service payers to determine if they will adopt use of the PTA modifier.How to Use This Guide:Use this guide to help you identify when you must apply the CQ modifier. When billing timed treatment codes, first determine the total number of units that can be billed based on the 8-minute rule. Then determine, for each unit, whether the PTA furnished more than 10% of each unit independent of the physical therapist. This is the de minimis standard that was established for determining in part services. Only the minutes the PTA spends independent of the PT count toward the 10% de minimis standard. The 10% de minimis standard is applied to untimed codes, and is applied to each billed unit of a timed code rather than to all billed units of a timed code. If a PTA s time spent furnishing care exceeds 10% of the total time spent furnishing an untimed code, apply the CQ modifier. If a PTA s time spent furnishing care exceeds 10% of a unit of service, apply the CQ modifier to the unit. If a PTA s time spent furnishing care is 10% or less of a unit of the service, do not apply the CQ modifier.DEFINITIONSIn whole: The entire service or procedure, or 100% of the total treatment time.In part: Exceeds the de minimis portion of the therapy service, meaning more than 10% of the total service or procedure time when an untimed code. When a timed code, exceeds the de minimis standard of 10% of each billed unit.DOCUMENTATIONCMS is not establishing any new documentation requirements to accompany the new CQ modifier. Current requirements for each treatment include all of the following: Date of treatment. Identification of each specific intervention provided and billed, for both timed and untimed codes, in language that can be compared with the billing on the claim to verify correct coding. You must record each service that is represented by a timed code, regardless of whether or not it is billed, because the unbilled timed services may impact the billing. Total timed code treatment minutes and total treatment time in minutes. Total treatment time includes the minutes for both timed and untimed code treatment; it does not include time for services that are not billable, such as rest periods. Medicare does not require recording of services that are neither billable nor part of the total treatment minutes, but you may choose to include them to provide an accurate description of the treatment, show consistency with the plan, or comply with state or local policies. You also may voluntarily record the amount of time for each specific intervention, but it isn t required because it is indicated in the billing. The billing minutes must be consistent with the total timed code treatment minutes. (More: Medicare Claims Processing Manual, Pub 100-04, Chapter 5, Section 20.2) Signature and professional identification of the qualified provider(s) who furnished or supervised the services and a list of each person who contributed to that treatment for example: signature of Kathleen Smith, PTA, with notation of phone consultation with Judy Jones, PT, supervisor [when such remote supervision is permitted by state and local law]. The supervisor s signature and identification need not be on each treatment note unless the supervisor actively participated in the treatment. (More: Medicare Benefit Policy Manual Chapter 15, Section 220.3(E))EXAMPLESA. The PT and PTA each individually and exclusively furnish minutes of the same therapeutic exercise service (CPT 97110) in different time frames: The PT furnishes 7 minutes and the PTA furnishes 7 minutes, for a total of 14 minutes. One 15-minute unit is billed based on the total time range of at least 8 minutes and up to 22 minutes.Billing: Report 1 unit of 97110 with the CQ modifier to signal that the PTA s 7 minutes of furnished services exceeded 10% of the 1 unit of service, described in a 15-minute increment (1.5 rounded to 2 minutes, so the modifier would apply if the PTA had furnished 3 or more minutes of the service). The 7 minutes of 97110 furnished by the PT do not result in billable service. However, document them within the total treatment time.NOTE: This results from a combination of factors: the same procedure is equally split between the 2 providers, only 1 unit can be billed, and the PTA has exceeded the de minimis standard.B. The PT and PTA each individually and exclusively furnish minutes of the same therapeutic exercise service (CPT 97110) in different time frames: The PT furnishes 20 minutes and the PTA furnishes 25 minutes, for a total of 45 minutes. Three 15-minute units are billed based on the total time range of at least 38 minutes and up to 52 minutes.Billing: Report 1 unit of 97110 without the CQ modifier, because the PT wholly furnished 1 unit of 97110 (20 minutes; within the 8-22 minute time range for a single unit). Report 2 units with CQ modifier, because the PTA wholly furnished 2 units of 97110 (25 minutes; within the 23-37 minute time range for 2 units).C. The PTA and PT work concurrently as a team to furnish the same neuromuscular reeducation service (CPT 97112) for a 30-minute session. Two 15-minute units are billed based on the total time range of at least 23 minutes and up to 37 minutes.Billing: Report 2 units of 97112 without the CQ modifier, because the PT furnished both units in whole while assisted by the PTA. The PTA s time is irrelevant to billing.D. The PT independently furnishes 15 minutes of manual therapy (CPT 97140), and then the PTA independently furnishes 7 minutes of therapeutic exercise (CPT 97110). One 15-minute unit of 97140 is billed based on the time range of at least 8 minutes and up to 22 minutes.Billing: Report 1 unit of 97140 without the CQ modifier, because the PT furnished that service in whole. The 7 minutes of 97110 furnished by the PTA do not result in billable service. However, document them within the total treatment time.E. Similar to Example D, but instead the PT independently furnishes 7 minutes of 97140, and the PTA independently furnishes 15 minutes of 97110. One 15-minute unit of 97110 is billed based on the time range of at least 8 minutes and up to 22 minutes.Billing: Report 1 unit of 97110 with the CQ modifier, because the PTA furnished that service in whole. The 7 minutes of 97140 furnished by the PT do not result in billable service. However, document them within the total treatment time; and document the minutes for both codes and count them toward the total time of the timed code services furnished to the patient on the date of service.F. Similar to Example D again, but instead the PT independently furnishes 7 minutes of 97140, and the PTA independently furnishes 7 minutes of 97110, for a total of less than a full 15 minutes. One 15-minute of service is billed based on the time range of at least 8 minutes and up to 22 minutes.Billing: Report 1 unit of 97140 without the CQ modifier, because the PT furnished that service independently of the PTA; this is the tie-breaker when each provider furnishes the same number of minutes. The 7 minutes of 97110 furnished by the PTA do not result in billable service. However, document them within the total treatment time.G. Similar to Example D again, but instead the PT furnishes 8 minutes of 97140, and the PTA furnishes 13 minutes of 97110. One 15-minute unit is billed based on the time range of at least 8 minutes and up to 22 minutes.Billing: Report 1 unit of 97110 with the CQ modifier, consistent with CMS policy to bill the service with the greater time, and applying the modifier because the PTA furnished the service independently. The 8 minutes of 97140 furnished by the PT do not result in billable service. However, document them within the total treatment time.H. The PT furnishes 20 minutes of neuromuscular reeducation (CPT 97112), and the PTA furnishes 8 minutes of 97110, for a total of 28 minutes. Two 15-minute units are billed based on the time range of at least 23 minutes and up to 37 minutes.Billing: Report 1 unit of each procedure code, following the usual process for billing based on services furnished with the most minutes: Report 1 unit of 97112 without the CQ modifier. Report 1 unit of 97110 with the CQ modifier.Note: This is because the 2 billable units of timed codes are allocated among procedure codes by assigning the first 15 minutes of service to 97112 (the code with the highest number of minutes), leaving 13 minutes of timed services: 5 minutes of 97112 (20 minus 15) and 8 minutes of 97110. Since the 8 minutes of 97110 is longer than the remaining 5 minutes of 97112, the second billable unit of service is assigned to 97110. The CQ modifier doesn t apply to 97112 because the PT furnished all minutes of that service independently. The CQ modifier does apply to 97110 because the PTA furnished all minutes of that service independently.I. The PT furnishes 32 minutes of 97112, the PT and PTA each separately furnish a combined 26 minutes of 97110 (12 minutes for the PT and 14 minutes for the PTA), and the PTA independently furnishes 12 minutes of self-care (CPT 97535), for a total of 70 minutes of timed code services. Five 15-minute units are billed based on the time range of at least 68 minutes and up to 82 minutes.Billing: Report 2 units of 97112 without the CQ modifier, because the PT furnished the service in whole. Report 1 unit of 97110 without the CQ modifier, because the PT furnished 12 minutes independently. Report 1 unit of 97110 with the CQ modifier, because the PTA furnished 14 minutes independently. Report 1 unit of 97535 with the CQ modifier, because the PTA furnished the service in whole.J. The PT independently furnishes 12 minutes of 97112, and the PTA independently furnishes 8 minutes of 97535 and 7 minutes of 97110, for a total time of 27 minutes. Two 15-minute units, 1 each of 97112 and 97535, are billed based on the time range of at least 23 minutes and up to 37 minutes.Billing: Report 1 unit of 97112 without the CQ modifier, because the PT furnished it independently in whole. Report 1 unit of 97535 with the CQ modifier, because the PTA furnished it independently. The 7 minutes of 97110 do not result in billable service. However, document the minutes for all 3 codes and count them toward the total time of the timed code services furnished to the patient on the date of service.K. The PT furnishes 15 minutes each of 97112 and 97535, and is assisted by the PTA, who furnishes 3 minutes of each service concurrently with the PT for a total time of 30 minutes. Two 15-minute units are billed based on the time range of at least 23 minutes and up to 37 minutes.Billing: Report 1 unit of 97112 and 1 unit of 97535, both without the CQ modifier, because the PT furnished both units in whole while assisted by the PTA. The PTA s time is irrelevant to billing. However, document that the PTA furnished 3 minutes of care alongside the therapist under 97112 and 3 minutes of care alongside the therapist under 97535. The time is not added to the total time.The Medicare Credit Balance Report is required under the authority of sections 1815(a), 1833(e), 1886(a)(1)(C) and related provisions of the Social Security Act. Failure to submit this report may result in a suspension of payments under the Medicare program and may affect your eligibility to participate in the Medicare program.ANYONE WHO MISREPRESENTS, FALSIFIES, CONCEALS OR OMITS ANY ESSENTIAL INFORMATION MAY BE SUBJECT TO FINE, IMPRISONMENT OR CIVIL MONEY PENALTIES UNDER APPLICABLE FEDERAL LAWS.CERTIFICATION BY OFFICER OR ADMINISTRATOR OF PROVIDERI HEREBY CERTIFY that I have read the above statements and that I have examined the accompanying credit balance report prepared byMedicare Credit Balance Report Provider InstructionsGeneralThe Paperwork Burden Reduction Act of 1995 was enacted to inform you about why the Government collects information and how it uses the information. In accordance with sections 1815(a) and 1833(e) of the Social Security Act (the Act), the Secretary is authorized to request information from participating providers that is necessary to properly administer the Medicare program. In addition, section 1866(a)(1)(C) of the Act requires participating providers to furnish information about payments made to them, and to refund any monies incorrectly paid. In accordance with these provisions, all providers participating in the Medicare program are to complete a Medicare Credit Balance Report (CMS-838) to help ensure that monies owed to Medicare are repaid in a timely manner.The CMS-838 is specifically used to monitor identification and recovery of credit balances owed to Medicare. A credit balance is an improper or excess payment made to a provider as the result of patient billing or claims processing errors. Examples of Medicare credit balances include instances where a provider is: Paid twice for the same service either by Medicare or by Medicare and another insurer; Paid for services planned but not performed or for non-covered services; Overpaid because of errors made in calculating beneficiary deductible and/or coinsurance amounts; or A hospital that bills and is paid for outpatient services included in a beneficiary s inpatient claim. Credit balances would not include proper payments made by Medicare in excess of a provider s charges such as DRG payments made to hospitals under the Medicare prospective payment system.For purposes of completing the CMS-838, a Medicare credit balance is an amount determined to be refundable to Medicare. Generally, when a provider receives an improper or excess payment for a claim, it is reflected in their accounting records (patient accounts receivable) as a credit. However, Medicare credit balances include monies due the program regardless of its classification in a provider s accounting records. For example, if a provider maintains credit balance accounts for a stipulated period; e.g., 90 days, and then transfers the accounts or writes them off to a holding account, this does not relieve the provider of its liability to the program. In these instances, the provider must identify and repay all monies due the Medicare program.Only Medicare credit balances are reported on the CMS-838.To help determine whether a refund is due to Medicare, another insurer, the patient, or beneficiary, refer to the sections of the manual [each provider manual will have the appropriate cite for that manual] that pertain to eligibility and Medicare Secondary Payer (MSP) admissions procedures.Submitting the CMS-838Submit a completed CMS-838 to your fiscal intermediary (FI) within 30 days after the close of each calendar quarter. Include in the report all Medicare credit balances shown in your accounting records (including transfer, holding or other general accounts used to accumulate credit balance funds) as of the last day of the reporting quarter.Report all Medicare credit balances shown in your records regardless of when they occurred. You are responsible for reporting and repaying all improper or excess payments you have received from the time you began participating in the Medicare program. Once you identify and report a credit balance on the CMS-838 report, do not report the same credit balance on subsequent CMS-838 reports.Completing the CMS-838The CMS-838 consists of a certification page and a detail page. An officer (the Chief Financial Officer or Chief Executive Officer) or the Administrator of your facility must sign and date the certification page. Even if no Medicare credit balances are shown in your records for the reporting quarter, you must still have the form signed and submitted to your FI in attestation of this fact. Only a signed certification page needs to be submitted if your facility has no Medicare credit balances as of the last day of the reporting quarter. An electronic file (or hard copy) of the certification page is available from your FI.The detail page requires specific information on each credit balance on a claim-by-claim basis. This page provides space to address 17 claims, but you may add additional lines or reproduce the form as many times as necessary to accommodate all of the credit balances that you have reported. An electronic file (or hard copy) of the detail page is available from your FI.You may submit the detail page(s) on a diskette furnished by your contractor or by a secure electronic transmission as long as the transmission method and format are acceptable to your FI. Segregate Part A credit balances from Part B credit balances by reporting them on separate detail pages. NOTE: Part B pertains only to services you provide which are billed to your FI. It does not pertain to physician and supplier services billed to carriers.Begin completing the CMS-838 by providing the information required in the heading area of the detail page(s) as follows: The full name of the facility; The facility s provider number. If there are multiple provider numbers for dedicated units within the facility (e.g., psychiatric, physical medicine and rehabilitation), complete a separate Medicare Credit Balance Report for each provider number; The month, day and year of the reporting quarter; e.g., 12/31/02; An A if the report page(s) reflects Medicare Part A credit balances, or a B if it reflects Part B credit balances; The number of the current detail page and the total number of pages forwarded, excluding the certification page (e.g., Page 1 of 3); and The name and telephone number of the individual who may be contacted regarding any questions that may arise with respect to the credit balance data. Complete the data fields for each Medicare credit balance by providing the following information (when a credit balance is the result of a duplicate Medicare primary payment, report the data pertaining to the most recently paid claim):Column 1 - The last name and first initial of the Medicare Beneficiary, (e.g., Doe, J.).Column 2 - The Medicare Health Insurance Claim Number (HICN) of the Medicare Beneficiary.Column 3 - The multiple-digit Internal Control Number (ICN) assigned by Medicare when the claim is processed.Column 4 - The 3-digit number explaining the type of bill; e.g., 111 - inpatient, 131 - outpatient, 831 - same day surgery. (See the Uniform Billing instructions, [each provider manual has the appropriate cite for the manual].)Columns 5/6 - The month, day and year the beneficiary was admitted and discharged, if an inpatient claim; or From and Through dates (date service(s) were rendered), if an outpatient service. Numerically indicate the admission (From) and discharge (Through) date (e.g., 01/01/02).Column 7 - The month, day and year (e.g., 01/01/02) the claim was paid. If a credit balance is caused by a duplicate Medicare payment, ensure the paid date and ICN number correspond to the most recent payment.Column 8 - An O if the claim is for an open Medicare cost reporting period, or a C if the claim pertains to a closed cost reporting period. (An open cost report is one where an NPR has not yet been issued. Do not consider a cost report open if it was reopened for a specific issue such as graduate medical education or malpractice insurance.)Column 9 - The amount of the Medicare credit balance that was determined from your patient/ accounting records.Column 10 - The amount of the Medicare credit balance identified in column 9 being repaid with the submission of the report. (As discussed below, repay Medicare credit balances at the time you submit the CMS-838 to your FI.)Column 11 - A C when you submit a check with the CMS-838 to repay the credit balance amount shown in column 9, an A if a claim adjustment is being submitted in hard copy (e.g., adjustment bill in UB-92 format) with the CMS-838, and a Z if payment is being made by a combination of check and adjustment bill with the CMS-838. Use an X if an adjustment bill has already been submitted electronically or by hard copy.Column 12 - The amount of the Medicare credit balance that remains outstanding (column 9 minus column 10). Show a zero ( 0 ) if you made full payment with the CMS-838 or a claim adjustment had been submitted previously, including electronically.Column 13 - The reason for the Medicare credit balance by entering a 1 if it is the result of duplicateMedicare payments, a 2 for a primary payment by another insurer, or a 3 for other reasons. Provide an explanation on the detail page for each credit balance with a 3. Column 14 - The Value Code to which the primary payment relates, using the appropriate two digit code as follows: (This column is completed only if the credit balance was caused by a payment when Medicare was not the primary payer. If more than one code applies, enter the code applicable to the payer with the largest liability. For code description, see [each provider manual has the appropriate cite for that manual].)12 Working Aged13 End Stage Renal Disease14 Auto/No Fault15 Workers Compensation16 Other Government Program41 Black Lung42 Department of Veterans Affairs (VA)43 Disability44 Conditional Payment47 LiabilityColumn 15 - The name and billing address of the primary insurer identified in column 14.NOTE: Once a credit balance is reported on the CMS-838, it is not to be reported on a subsequent period report.Payment of Amounts Owed MedicareProviders must pay all amounts owed (column 9 of the report) at the time the credit balance report is submitted. Providers must submit payment, by check or adjustment bill. Payments by check must also be accompanied by a separate adjustment bill, electronic or hard copy, for all individual credit balances that pertain to open cost reporting periods. The FI will ensure that the monies are not collected twice. Submission of the detail information on the CMS-838 will not be accepted by the FI as an adjustment bill. Claim adjustments, whether as payment or in connection with a check, must be submitted as adjustment bills (electronic or hard copy). If the claim adjustment was submitted electronically, this must be shown on the CMS-838 (see instructions for column 11). There is a limited exception for MSP credit balances. Federal regulations at 42 CFR 489.20(h) state that if a provider receives payment for the same services from Medicare and another payer that is primary to Medicare the provider must identify MSP related credit balances in the report for the quarter in which the credit balance was identified, even if repayment is not required until after the date the report is due. If the provider is not submitting a payment (by check or adjustment bill) for an MSP credit balance with the CMS-838 because of the 60-day rule, the provider must furnish the date thecredit balance was received. Otherwise, the FI must assume that the payment is due and will issue a recovery demand letter and accrue interest without taking this 60-day period into consideration. If the amount owed Medicare is so large that immediate repayment would cause financial hardship, you may contact your FI regarding an extended repayment schedule.Records Supporting CMS-838 DataDevelop and maintain documentation that shows that each patient record with a credit balance (e.g., transfer, holding account) was reviewed to determine credit balances attributable to Medicare and the amount owed, for the preparation of the CMS-838. At a minimum, your procedures should: Identify whether the patient is an eligible Medicare beneficiary; Identify other liable insurers and the primary payer; Adhere to applicable Medicare payment rules; and Ensure that the credit balance is due and refundable to Medicare.NOTE: A suspension of Medicare payments may be imposed and your eligibility to participate in the Medicare program may be affected for failing to submit the CMS-838 or for not maintaining documentation that adequately supports the credit balance data reported to CMS. Your FI will review your documentation during audits/reviews performed for cost report settlement purposes.Provider Based Home Health Agencies (HHAs)Provider-based HHAs are to submit their CMS-838 to their Regional Home Health Intermediary even though it may be different from the FI servicing the parent facility.Exception for Low Utilization ProvidersProviders with extremely low Medicare utilization do not have to submit a CMS-838. A low utilization provider is defined as a facility that files a low utilization Medicare cost report as specified in PRM-I, section 2414.4.B, or files less than 25 Medicare claims per year.Compliance with MSP RegulationsMSP regulations at 42 CFR 489.20(h) require you to pay Medicare within 60 days from the date you receive payment from another payer (primary to Medicare) for the same service. Submission of the CMS-838 and adherence to CMS instructions do not interfere with this rule. You must repay credit balances resulting from MSP payments within the 60-day period.Report credit balances resulting from MSP payments on the CMS-838 if they have not been repaid by the last day of the reporting quarter. If you identify and repay an MSP credit balance within a reporting quarter, in accordance with the 60-day requirement, do not include it on the CMS-838; i.e., once payment is made, a credit balance would no longer be reflected in your records.If an MSP credit balance occurs late in a reporting quarter, and the CMS-838 is due prior to expiration of the 60-day requirement, include it in the credit balance report. However, payment of the credit balance does not have to be made at the time you submit the CMS-838, but within the 60 days allowed.Instructions to Fiscal Intermediaries (FIs) for the Medicare Credit Balance ReportGeneral In accordance with section 1815(a) and 1833(e) of the Social Security Act (the Act), the Secretary is authorized to request information from participating providers that is necessary to properly administer the Medicare program. In addition, 1866(a) (1) (C) of the Act requires participating providers to furnish information about payments made to them and to refund any monies incorrectly paid. In accordance with these provisions, providers are to complete a Medicare Credit Balance Report (CMS-838) to ensure that monies owed to Medicare are repaid in a timely manner.Fiscal intermediaries (FIs) are responsible for monitoring and ensuring provider compliance with the credit balance reporting process. This responsibility includes the following activities: ensure that providers submit properly completed CMS-838 reports on time, claims adjustments to Medicare credit balances are properly made, payments to providers are suspended for untimely submission of CMS-838 reports, demand letters are appropriately issued to providers that have not repaid their Medicare credit balances, and outstanding Medicare credit balances are included in Medicare financial reports.Medicare Credit Balance Report (CMS-838)Providers use the quarterly CMS-838 report to disclose Medicare credit balances. They determine the number and amount of these balances for refunding the Medicare program. Generally, when a provider receives an improper or excess payment for a claim, it is reflected in their accounting records (patientaccounts receivable) as a credit. However, Medicare credit balances include money due to the program regardless of its classification in a provider s accounting records. For example, if a provider maintains credit balance accounts for a stipulated period such as 90 days, and then transfers the accounts or writes them off to a holding account, this does not relieve the provider of its liability to the program. In these instances, the provider is responsible for identifying and repaying all of the monies from these credit balance accounts to the Medicare program.The current version of the Medicare Credit Balance Report (Certification Page and Detail Page) and instructions for its completion are available at www.cms.hhs.gov/forms. This report is identified as CMS Form 838 on the CMS Web site, and a replica of this form is in section 20 of this chapter.FIs are charged with the responsibility for performing all necessary activities to implement these instructions.Providers must pay all amounts owed (column 9 of the Detail Page) at the time the credit balance report is submitted. Payment must be submitted with the report and may be made by check or adjustment bill. Submission of the completed Detail Page by itself does not constitute a claim adjustment. The claim adjustment (i.e., adjustment bill) must be submitted separately, either electronically or by hard copy (e.g., UB-92). The instructions for column 11 of the Detail Page reflect the type of payment made. If the credit balances are repaid by check, the provider must still submit adjustment bills for any individual credit balances. (The FI will ensure that the monies for these balances are not collected twice.)FI Internal ControlsThe FI s Chief Financial Officer for Medicare Operations shall ensure that all FI credit balance reporting related processes and activities are completed timely and accurately.Minimum Requirements for Internal ControlsA. A designated centralized area to receive Medicare credit balance reports.B. FIs shall have all CMS-838 reports and accompanying documents retained in the centralized area. The sole exceptions are the originals of the accompanying check and/or accompanying claim adjustment bill. A copy of any accompanying check or accompanying claim adjustment bills must be retained with the other original documents. All other documents must be copied if the information they contain is needed by another area for the resolution of any matter involving provider credit balance reports. The envelopes shall be retained or copied to substantiate the date of receipt of the CMS-838 report.NOTE: FIs may convert these materials into image files (e.g., PDF files) for electronic storage and archival purposes.C. Faxed credit balance reports that are within 30 calendar days of the close of each calendar quarter should be accepted as timely. Retain the coversheet to substantiate the date of receipt of the CMS-838 report.NOTE: When the FI accepts faxes, the FI shall ensure that these faxes are received over electronically secure transmission lines, and placed in a limited access work area.D. The FI shall designate a point of contact for receipt and the resolution of credit balance reporting related issues. This individual is to verify that all FI activities related to credit balance reporting are completed timely and accurately in all areas of the FI.E. The FI shall have a listing of all providers required for submitting the CMS-838. FIs shall have written procedures to ensure this listing is reviewed and updated each calendar year quarter.F. Written policies and procedures for monitoring and validating receipt of timely, accurate, and complete CMS-838s from all providers.For example: Is the name and title of the certifying officer or administrator of the provider on the Certification Page, and are all data fields completed for Medicare credit balances on the Detail Page? Did the Detail Page come with an accompanying check and/or appropriate hard copy or electronic adjustment bills? Were the monies for the reported credit balances timely recouped to the Medicare Trust Fund?G. FIs shall have appropriate tracking and/or reports for provider credit balances reporting related activities.For example: Such as related claims adjustments, Suspension Warning Letters and suspensions, verification of low Medicare utilization providers with claims data, demand letters, financial reporting, credit balance summary reports, etc., that have been performed with respect to credit balance reports due or received for a given calendar year quarter.H. The FI shall have internal controls in place to ensure the accurate and timely processing and reporting of credit balances. The time frame for processing claims adjustments for Medicare credit balances from start to finish is 90 days from the receipt date of acceptable credit balance reports. (Contact your RO if you need additional time.)I. A desk guide or manual with published internal control policies and standard operating procedures for implementing the credit balance reporting process.Suspension Warning Letter (FI Action if a Credit Balance Report is not Submitted)A. The FI shall issue a Suspension Warning Letter if it does not receive a credit balance report from a provider by the 15th calendar day after 30 calendar days from the end of each calendar year quarter (45 calendar days from the end of each calendar year quarter). The Suspension Warning Letter shall state that the FI will suspend all claims payments at 100% in 15 calendar days from the date of issuance of this letter if the credit balance report is not received during this time period. This suspension will continue until the FI receives a credit balance report. The FI shall ensure that any necessary suspensions are implemented timely and maintained, as appropriate. (Refer to Pub. 100-06, Chapter 4, 40 - 40.2). In addition, Federal regulations at 42 CFR 405.372 require that the provider be notified of the intention to suspend payment and the reasons for the suspension.B. The FI shall have the responsibility to ensure that if providers change from submitting a low utilization cost report to a full cost report, then they shall comply with all credit balance reporting requirements. NOTE: A provider with extremely low Medicare utilization does not have to submit the CMS-838 form. A low utilization provider is defined as a facility that files a low utilization Medicare cost report or files less than 25 Medicare claims per year.Issuance of a Notification/Rejection Letter to Providers Regarding Non-Payment of Medicare Credit Balances or Missing/Inaccurate Information on the CMS-838 ReportA. The FI shall have a process in place to resolve non-payment of Medicare credit balances or missing/ inaccurate information on received CMS-838 reports.For example: Review each credit balance entry individually on the CMS-838 report to determine whether it is missing information such as: is it being repaid by check or hardcopy adjustment bill? Contacting the provider via telephone, to obtain missing information on the CMS-838 report. (Phone calls should be documented). If the FI is successful at reaching the provider, the provider may fax over the requested information at the FI s discretion.B. If the FI is unsuccessful in reaching the provider within 30 calendar days from the due date of the CMS838 report, the FI should issue a letter on the thirtieth day after the due date of the CMS-838 report. This letter shall state that the FI will place the provider on 100% withhold up to the total amount owed if the provider does not send a check or adjustment bills for these balances in 15 calendar days from the date of this letter. After the Notification/Rejection letter has been sent and the provider is placed on 100% withhold up to the total amount owed and a balance remains outstanding 60 days after the due date of the CMS838, the FI must issue a demand letter to the provider. Refer to Section 10.6 - FI Issuance of a Credit Balance Demand Letter.FI Issuance of a Credit Balance Demand LetterWhen a Medicare credit balance is not fully recovered to the Medicare Trust Fund through the adjustment bill process (or through check submission) and this balance remains outstanding 60 days after the due date of the CMS-838, the FI shall issue a demand letter to the provider. The FI shall issue demand letters within 60 calendar days from the due date of the CMS-838 report. If a full payment is not received 15 days after the date of the first demand letter, the FI shall start the 100% withholding of claims payment up to the total amount owed on day 16, (if they haven t already placed providers on 100% from their 1st Notification/Rejection letter) Refer to Pub. 100-06, Chapter 4, 40 and 40.1. If no response is received from the provider within 30 days after the date of the first demand letter, follow the existing instructions in Pub. 100-06, Chapter 4, 10 and 20. If the provider believes that prompt repayment of the amount owed Medicare is so large that it will cause financial hardship, the provider may complete a request for an extended repayment schedule in accordance with Pub. 100-06, Chapter 4, 50. Contact your Regional Office (RO) for guidance on specific provider issues as needed. Refer to Pub. 100-06, Chapter 3, 40.2 for sample Demand Letter for Claims Accounts Receivables. For MSP, refer to Pub. 100-05, Chapter 7, 60.10.1 Intent to Refer letter.10.7 - Interest Assessment for Non-MSP and MSP Medicare Credit Balances (Rev. 99, Issued: 06-30-06; Effective/Implementation Dates: 10-02-06) Calculation of Interest on Medicare Credit Balances Effective October 1, 2004, 42 CFR 405.378 and 411.24 (m) (l) was amended to change how interest is calculated on Non-MSP/MSP recoveries. Section 1862(b)(2)(B)(i) of the Act provides express authority to assess interest on MSP debts. Under this new rule, interest is assessed for each full 30-day period thatpayment is not made on time. This change applies to debts established on or after October 1, 2004.A. Assessment of Interest on Non-MSP Credit Balances Interest on Non-MSP debts established prior to October 1, 2004 will continue to be assessed under the former method, until the debt is recovered in full. NOTE: Refer to Pub. 100-06, Chapter 4, 30.3 Non-MSP (Debt Collection).B. Assessment of Interest on MSP Credit Balances Refer to Pub. 100-05, Chapter 7, revised 30.1.5- Interest on MSP Recovery Claims for information on the calculation of interest.POST-OPERATIVE PERIOD BILLINGUnrelated Procedure or Service or E/M Service by the Same Physician During a Post-operative PeriodTwo CPT modifiers are used to simplify billing for visits and other procedures that are furnished during the post-operative period of a surgical procedure, but not included in the payment for surgical procedure. These modifiers are: Modifier -79 (Unrelated procedure or service by the same physician during a post-operative period).The physician may need to indicate that a procedure or service furnished during a post-operative period was unrelated to the original procedure. A new post-operative period begins when the unrelated procedure is billed. Modifier -24 (Unrelated E/M service by the same physician during a post-operative period). The physician may need to indicate that an E/M service was furnished during the post-operative period of an unrelated procedure. An E/M service billed with modifier -24 must be accompanied by documentation that supports that the service is not related to the post-operative care of the procedure. Special Reporting for Certain Practitioners for CPT code 99024 Practitioners are required to report post-operative E/M visits using CPT code 99024 if they: Practice in one of the following nine states: Florida, Kentucky, Louisiana, Nevada, New Jersey, North Dakota, Ohio, Oregon, or Rhode Island; and Practice in a group of ten or more practitioners; Practitioners who only practice in practices with fewer than 10 practitioners are exempted from required reporting, but are encouraged to report if feasible and, Provide global services under one of the required procedure codes. The required procedure codes are those that are furnished by more than 100 practitioners and either are nationally furnished more than 10,000 times annually or have more than $10 million in annual allowed charges.The term practitioner is used to refer to both physicians and nonphysician practitioners (NPPs) who are permitted to bill Medicare under the PFS for services furnished to Medicare beneficiaries (see 81 FR 80172). This reporting is required for post-operative visits during the global period for procedures with dates of service on or after July 1, 2017. For more information, see Claims-Based Reporting Requirements for Post-Operative Visits. Codes for Which Reporting on Post-Operative Visits is Required As of January 1, 2018, there are some changes made to the list of codes for which reporting is required.These changes are made necessary by changes in the coding system.The following CPT codes no longer need to be reported: CPT codes 15732, 34802, and 34825 are deleted. Reporting is not required after December 31, 2017.CPT codes 30140, 36470, and 36471 have a 0-day global period so reporting is not needed.The Codes for Required Global Surgery Reporting (CY 2018) [ZIP, 20KB] shows the codes for which reporting is required on or after January 1, 2018.Return to the OR for a Related Procedure during the Post-Operative PeriodWhen treatment for complications requires a return trip to the operating room, physicians bill the CPT code that describes the procedure(s) performed during the return trip. If no such code exists, the physician should use the unspecified procedure code in the correct series, which is, 47999 or 64999. The procedure code for the original surgery is not used except when the identical procedure is repeated.In addition to the CPT code, physicians report modifier -78 (Unplanned return to the operating or procedure room by the same physician following initial procedure for a related procedure during the post-operative period). The physician may also need to indicate that another procedure was performed during the post-operative period of the initial procedure. When this subsequent procedure is related to the first procedure, and requires the use of the operating room, this circumstance may be reported by adding the modifier -78 to the related procedure.NOTE: The CPT definition for modifier -78 does not limit its use to treatment for complications.Staged or Related Procedure or Service by the Same Physician During the Post-operative Period Modifier -58 (Staged or related procedure or service by the same physician during the post-operative period) was established to facilitate billing of staged or related surgical procedures done during the post-operative period of the first procedure. Modifier -58 indicates that the performance of a procedure or service during the post-operative period was: Planned prospectively or at the time of the original procedure More extensive than the original procedure For therapy following a diagnostic surgical procedure Modifier -58 may be reported with the staged procedure s CPT. A new post-operative period begins when the next procedure in the series is billed.Critical CareCritical care services furnished during a global surgical period for a seriously injured or burned patient are not considered related to a surgical procedure and may be paid separately under the following circumstances. Pre-operative and post-operative critical care may be paid in addition to a global fee if: The patient is critically ill and requires the constant attendance of the physician; and The critical care is above and beyond, and, in most instances, unrelated to the specific anatomic injury or general surgical procedure performed. Special Reporting for Certain Practitioners for CPT code 99024Practitioners are required to report post-operative E/M visits using CPT code 99024 if they: Practice in one of the following nine states: Florida, Kentucky, Louisiana, Nevada, New Jersey, North Dakota, Ohio, Oregon, or Rhode Island; and Practice in a group of ten or more practitioners; Practitioners who only practice in practices with fewer than 10 practitioners are exempted from required reporting, but are encouraged to report if feasible and, Provide global services under one of the required procedure codes. The required procedure codes are those that are furnished by more than 100 practitioners and either are nationally furnished more than 10,000 times annually or have more than $10 million in annual allowed charges.The term practitioner is used to refer to both physicians and nonphysician practitioners (NPPs) who are permitted to bill Medicare under the PFS for services furnished to Medicare beneficiaries (see 81 FR 80172). This reporting is required for post-operative visits during the global period for procedures with dates of service on or after July 1, 2017Return to the OR for a Related Procedure during the Post-Operative PeriodWhen treatment for complications requires a return trip to the operating room, physicians bill the CPT code that describes the procedure(s) performed during the return trip. If no such code exists, the physician should use the unspecified procedure code in the correct series, which is, 47999 or 64999. The procedure code for the original surgery is not used except when the identical procedure is repeated.In addition to the CPT code, physicians report modifier -78 (Unplanned return to the operating or procedure room by the same physician following initial procedure for a related procedure during the post-operative period). The physician may also need to indicate that another procedure was performed during the post-operative period of the initial procedure. When this subsequent procedure is related to the first procedure, and requires the use of the operating room, this circumstance may be reported by adding the modifier -78 to the related procedure. NOTE: The CPT definition for modifier -78 does not limit its use to treatment for complications. Procedure code and descriptionEffective for services furnished on or after July 1, 2001, the following codes are added for colorectal cancer screening services: HCPCS G0121 - Colorectal cancer screening; colonoscopy on individual not meeting criteria for high risk. HCPCS G0122 - Colorectal cancer screening; barium enema (noncovered). Effective for services furnished on or after January 1, 2004, the following code is added for colorectal cancer screening services as an alternative to CPT 82270* (HCPCS G0107*): HCPCS G0328 - Colorectal cancer screening; immunoassay, fecal-occult blood test, 1-3 simultaneous determinations.Effective for services furnished on or after October 9, 2014, the following code is added for colorectal cancer screening services: HCPCS G0464 Colorectal cancer screening; stool-based DNA and fecal occult hemoglobin (e.g., KRAS, NDRG4 and BMP3)Medicare billing GuidelinesFor colorectal cancer screening using multitarget sDNA test, Medicare covers the beneficiaries who fall into ALL of the following three categories: Aged 50 to 85 years Asymptomatic At average risk of developing colorectal cancerFor screening colonoscopies, fecal occult blood tests (FOBTs), flexible sigmoidoscopies, and barium enemas, Medicare covers all the beneficiaries who are: 50 years and older and at normal risk of developing colorectal cancer, AND/OR At high risk of developing colorectal cancerThere is no age limitation for coverage of screening colonoscopies.Codes G0105 and G0121 (colorectal cancer screening colonoscopies) must be paid at rates consistent with payment for similar or related services under the physician fee schedule, not to exceed the rates for a diagnostic colonoscopy (CPT code 45378). (The same RVUs have been assigned to codes G0105 and G0121 as those assigned to CPT code 45378.) If during the course of the screening colonoscopy, a lesion or growth is detected which results in a biopsy or removal of the growth, the appropriate procedure classified as a colonoscopy with biopsy or removal must be billed and paid rather than code G0105 or G0121.Screening colonoscopyAHA Coding Clinic provides guidance in assigning the principal or first-listed diagnosis code when the physician documents that the colonoscopy is performed for screening purposes only. Code V76.51 is used first and any findings such as polyps, diverticulosis, or hemorrhoids are listed second; see Coding Clinic, First Quarter 1999 Page: 4. CPT codes are reported based on the procedure documented, and whether the patient is Medicare. If the patient is not Medicare, the appropriate CPT, (HCPCS Level I) code is assigned. If the patient is Medicare and no other procedures, such as a polypectomy or biopsy are performed, then either code G0105 or G0121,(HCPCSL Level II) codes are assigned. G0105 is assigned if the patient qualifies as high risk using the following criteria:* A personal history of colorectal cancer or* A family history of familial adenomatous polyposis or* A family history of hereditary nonpolyposis colorectal cancer or* A personal history of adenomatous polyps or* Inflammatory bowel disease, including Crohn s Disease and ulcerative colitis or* A close relative (sibling, parent, or child) has had colorectal cancer or an adenomatous polyp.HCPCS code G0121 is assigned if the patient does not qualify as high risk.Denial codes A. If a claim for a screening fecal-occult blood test, a screening flexible sigmoidoscopy, or a barium enema is being denied because of the age of the beneficiary, use the following MSN or EOMB message: This service is not covered for beneficiaries under 50 years of age. (MSN Message 18-13, EOMB Message 18-22)B. If the claim for a screening fecal-occult blood test, a screening colonoscopy, a screening flexible sigmoidoscopy, or a barium enema is being denied because the time period between the same test or procedure has not passed, use the following MSN or EOMB message: Service is being denied because it has not been (12, 24, 48, 120) months since your last (test/procedure) of this kind. (MSN Message 18-14, EOMB Message 18-23)C. If the claim is being denied for a screening colonoscopy or a barium enema because the beneficiary is not at a high risk, use the following MSN or EOMB message: Medicare only covers this procedure for beneficiaries considered to be at a high risk for colorectal cancer. (MSN Message 18-15, EOMB Message 18-24)D. If the claim is being denied because payment has already been made for a screening flexible sigmoidoscopy (code G0104), screening colonoscopy (code G0105), or a screening barium enema (codes G0106 or G0120), use the following MSN or EOMB message: This service is denied because payment has already been made for a similar procedure within a set timeframe. (MSN Message 18-16, EOMB Message 18-25)NOTE: The above messages (MSN 18-16 and EOMB 18-25) should only be used when a certain screening procedure is performed as an alternative to another screening procedure. For example: If the claims history indicates a payment has been made for code G0120 and an incoming claim is submitted for code G0105 within 24 months, the incoming claim should be denied.CPT Code Description99224 Subsequent observation care, per day, for the evaluation and management of a patient, which requires at least 2 of these 3 key components: Problem focused interval history; Problem focused examination; Medical decision making that is straightforward or of low complexity. Counseling and/or coordination of care with other physicians, other qualified healthcare professionals, or agencies are provided consistent with the nature of the problem(s) and the patient's and/or family's needs. Usually, the patient is stable, recovering, or improving. Typically 15 minutes are spent at the bedside and on the patient's hospital floor or unit.99225 Subsequent observation care, per day, for the evaluation and management of a patient, which requires at least 2 of these 3 key components: An expanded problem focused interval history; An expanded problem focused examination; Medical decision making of moderate complexity. Counseling and/or coordination of care with other physicians, other qualified healthcare professionals or agencies are provided consistent with the nature of the problem(s) and the patient's and/or family's needs. Usually, the patient is responding inadequately to therapy or has developed a minor complication. Typically 25 minutes are spent at the bedside and on the patient's hospital floor or unit.99226 Subsequent observation care, per day, for the evaluation and management of a patient, which requires at least 2 of these 3 key components: A detailed interval history; A detailed examination; Medical decision making of high complexity. Counseling and/or coordination of care with other physicians, other qualified healthcare professionals or agencies are provided consistent with the nature of the problem(s) and the patient's and/or family's needs. Usually, the patient is unstable or has developed a significant complication or a significant new problem. Typically 35 minutes are spent at the bedside and on the patient's hospital floor or unit.99234 Observation or inpatient hospital care, for the evaluation and management of a patient including admission and discharge on the same date which requires these 3 key components: A detailed or comprehensive history; A detailed or comprehensive examination; and Medical decision making that is straightforward or of low complexity. Counseling and/or coordination of care with other physicians, other qualified healthcare professionals or agencies are provided consistent with the nature of the problem(s) and the patient's and/or family's needs. Usually the presenting problem(s) requiring admission are of low severity. Typically, 40 minutes are spent at the bedside and on the patient s hospital floor or unit.99235 Observation or inpatient hospital care, for the evaluation and management of a patient including admission and discharge on the same date which requires these 3 key components: A comprehensive history; A comprehensive examination; and Medical decision making of moderate complexity. Counseling and/or coordination of care with other physicians, other qualified healthcare professionals or agencies are provided consistent with the nature of the problem(s) and the patient's and/or family's needs. Usually the presenting problem(s) requiring admission are of moderate severity. Typically, 50 minutes are spent at the bedside and on the patient s hospital floor or unit.99236 Observation or inpatient hospital care, for the evaluation and management of a patient including admission and discharge on the same date which requires these 3 key components: A comprehensive history; A comprehensive examination; and Medical decision making of high complexity. Counseling and/or coordination of care with other physicians, other qualified healthcare professionals or agencies are provided consistent with the nature of the problem(s) and the patient's and/or family's needs. Usually the presenting problem(s) requiring admission are of high severity. Typically, 55 minutes are spent at the bedside and on the patient s hospital floor or unit.Subsequent Observation CareIn the instance that a patient is held in observation status for more than two calendar dates, the supervising physician should utilize a subsequent Observation Care CPT code (99224-99226). Physicians other than the supervising physician providing care to a patient designated as "observation status" should report subsequent Observation Care. According to the CPT codebook, All levels of subsequent Observation Care include reviewing the medical record and reviewing the results of diagnostic studies and changes in the patient's status (i.e., changes in history, physical conditions, and response to management) since the last assessment. Observation Care Discharge ServicesPer CPT, Observation Care discharge day management CPT code 99217 "includes final examination of the patient, discussion of the hospital stay, instructions for continuing care and preparation of discharge records." Observation Care discharge services include all E/M services on the date of discharge from observation services and should only be reported if the discharge from observation status is on a date other than the date of initial Observation Care.Oxford follows CMS guidelines that physicians should not report an Observation Care discharge Service when theObservation Care is a minimum of 8 hours and less than 24 hours and the patient is discharged on the same calendar date.Observation Care Admission and Discharge Services on Same Date Physicians who admit a patient to Observation Care for a minimum of 8 hours, but less than 24 hours and subsequently discharge on the same calendar date shall report an Observation or Inpatient Care Service (Including Admission and Discharge Services) CPT code (99234-99236).In accordance with CMS' Claims Processing Manual, when reporting an Observation Care admission and discharge service CPT code (99234-99236) the medical record must include:** Documentation meeting the E/M requirements for history, examination and medical decision making;Question and answersQ: What code should be reported for a patient who continues to be in observation status for a second date and has not been discharged?A: A subsequent Observation Care CPT code (99224-99226) should be reported in the instance a patient is held in observation status for more than 2 calendar dates. When observation discharge services are provided to the patient, report CPT code 99217 on that calendar date. For example, report CPT 99218- 99220 for a patient designated as observation on Day 1, report CPT 99224-99226 on Day 2 and finally report CPT 99217 when the patient receives discharge services on Day 3.Q: Why are Observation Codes G0378 and G0379 not addressed in this policy ?A: These HCPCS codes are not to be reported for physician services. These codes are to be billed by facilities on a UB-04 claim form.Emergency department visits will be denied when billed on the same day as an observation service (procedure codes 1-99217, 1-99218, 1-99219, and 1-99220) by the same provider.Observation Care Admission and Discharge Services on Same DatePhysicians who admit a patient to Observation Care for a minimum of 8 hours, but less than 24 hours and subsequently discharge on the same calendar date shall report an Observation or Inpatient Care Service (Including Admission and Discharge Services) CPT code (99234-99236). In accordance with CMS' Claims Processing Manual, when reporting an Observation Care admission and discharge service CPT code (99234-99236) the medical record must include: documentation meeting the E/M requirements for history, examination and medical decision making; documentation stating the stay for hospital treatment or Observation Care status involves 8 hours but less than 24 hours; documentation identifying the billing physician was present and personally performed the services; and documentationidentifying that the admission and discharge notes were written by the billing physicianReimbursement Guidelines from Aetna MedicaidThe order for observation must be in writing and clearly specify outpatient observation. It should also include the reason for observation and be signed, dated, and timed by the ordering physician. Verbal orders are permitted but must be documented by the individual receiving the order. The ordering practitioner must review and confirm the verbal order when they see the patient. Applicable Codes/Conditions of Coverage CPT Codes: 99218-99220, 99224 99226 Revenue Code 0762 These codes are not all inclusive. For more reference please check LDH Fee Schedule. On the rare occasion when a patient remains in observation care for 3 days, the physician shall report an initial observation care code (99218-99220) for the first day of observation care, a subsequent observation care code (99224-99226) for the second day of observation care, and an observation care discharge CPT code 99217 for the observation care on the discharge date.Observation: Multiple Day Codes (Admitted and Discharged on Different Calendar Days)Day 1-The First DayThere are three codes for reporting the first day of observation when the discharge is on a subsequent day: 99218 Low complexity 99219 Moderate complexity 99220 High complexityThe Middle DaysThere are three codes for reporting the middle days of observation for observation stays greater than two days: 99224 Low complexity 99225 Moderate complexity 99226 High complexity The Discharge DayThere is one code for reporting the last day of observation when the discharge is on a subsequent day: 99217 Observation care discharge dayThis code is used for the management of care on the final day, and is used in conjunction with the first day series CPT codes 99218-99220 and if applicable the middle day codes 99224-99226Emergency CPT - 99283, 99284, 99285, 99281, 99282 Procedure code and Descripiton 99281 (CPT G0380) Emergency department visit for the evaluation and management of a patient, which req...CPT code 99221, 99223, 99222 and 99233 - Inpatient hospital visits 99221 : Inpatient hospital visits: Initial and subsequent initial hospital care, per day, for the evaluation and management of a patien...Wellness visit CPT codes G0402, G0438, G0439 - Medicare welcome Annual Wellness Visit (AWV) HCPCS/CPT Codes G0402 Initial preventive physical examination; face-to-face visit, services limited to new...CPT 97140, 97530, 97112, 97760, 97750 - Therapeutic procedure Procedure CODE AND Description 97140 - Manual therapy techniques (eg, mobilization/ manipulation, manual lymphatic drainage, manual trac...Hand and Foot Modifier FA -F9 and T1 - T9, TH E1 - E4, FA - F9, TA - T9 Level II Modifier E1-E4 Anatomic modifiers which are associated with the eyelid FA, F1- F9 Anatomic modifi...CPT CODE 92526, 92610, 92611 - Dysphagia swallowingCPT/HCPCS Codes Group 1 Paragraph: N/A Group 1 Codes: 92508 Speech/hearing therapy 92526 Oral function therapy 92610 Evaluate swa...22 chapters in ICD 10 code ICD 10 codes are organized in 22 chapters as listed below: 1: A00-B99 - Certain infectious and parasitic diseases 2: C00-D48 - Neoplasms...CPT code - 97802, 97803, 97804, G0270, G0271, G0108, dx code Diabetes Self-Management Training (DSMT) CPT code G0108 DSMT, individual session, per 30 minutes CPT G0109 DSMT, group sessio...Modifier 25 - Guidelines,usage and example of using with other modifiers Modifier 25 - Significant, Separately Identifiable Service: Significant, Separately Identifiable Evaluation and Management Service by the S...All the contents and articles are based on our search and taken from various resources and our knowledge in Medical billing. All the information are educational purpose only and we are not guarantee of accuracy of information. Before implement anything please do your own research. If you feel some of our contents are misused please mail us at medicalbilling167 at gmail.com. We will response ASAP.

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