Wiki Audio only encounters

[ldennison71]

We are an FQHC and weren't allowed to do telehealth until the PHE. I have a physician that wants to do telehealth or audio only encounters for blood pressure follow up or lab follow up? Patient was seen as a new CKD patient and had multiple labs ordered and the physician doesn't get results until patient has left. Could the physician have them put on the schedule for an audio only appointment and bill for 99441-99443? My initial response is no, it has to be initiated by the patient and it is considered follow up work related to the visit even though she will be ordering or changing medications, etc.

 

[jkyles]

Hi there, great question. You're right on both counts.

And not only must the patient initiate the call before you can bill for an audio-only visit, but the provider can't tell the patient "call me if you want your test results" and then bill for that.