15 minute therapy session

[jcochran]

Hello,
I have an LISCW who saw a client yesterday for 15 minutes because the client was late from another appointment.

Would it be appropriate to bill a 90804 with a 52 modifier?

I am only concerned because the wording for the 52 makes it sound like this may only be a physician only code.

Definition is "REDUCED SERVICES: Under certain circumstances a service or procedure is partially reduced or eliminated at the physician's discretion. Under these circumstances the service provided can be identified by its usual procedure number and the addition of modifier 52, signifying that the service is reduced. This provides a means of reporting reduced services without disturbing the identification of the basic service...."

Thanks for your input

 

[mack80]

Yes, I would use modifier 52 with 90804, and also let the carrier know how much time was actually spent, either listing on the HCFA or sending a brief note explaining.

 

[jcochran]

Thanks so much!