Wiki can online digital E&M (99421-99423) be billed for a new patient?

[Wellnow]

We were advised by a vendor that CPT 99421: Online digital evaluation and management service, for an established patient, for up to 7 days, cumulative time during the 7 days; 5–10 minutes can be billed in order to establish care for a new patient prior to them being seen for a full telemedicine or in office appointment. The description shows that it is for established patient, but vendor believes that it was waived for COVID and is still being waived in order to bill this to new patient in order to establish care. Does anyone know if this is correct?

 

[jkyles]

Hi there, Medicare is still allowing the new patient waiver at least until the end of the PHE. You need to check with individual private payers to see what they're doing.