Reader Question: Reimbursement for Interpreters

Question: I have a deaf Medicare patient who insists that my office provide him with an interpreter at each visit. Is there a code that can be usedin addition to the E/M servicethat will allow for the provider to be reimbursed for the additional time and/or for the interpreter? Or is there a modifier that would allow for additional reimbursement?

Coding and Reimbursement Specialist, Md.

Answer: Under the Americans With Disabilities Act, physicians are indeed required to provide a sign-language interpreter when requested by a patient for complex office visits, such as presurgical informed consent discussions. The physicians cannot charge a separate fee for the interpreter. However, all office visits with sign-language interpreters require additional time. Choose the level office visit based on time. Use V40.1 (communication problems) as your last diagnosis code to support the higher-level office visit.


- Published on 2000-04-01