Wiki Charging for demonstrating exercises

[cynthiar]

I have a practice that I work with, that is an ortho group and they have an athletic trainer meet with the patient when they are in the office for an office visit, and after they have seen the physician on the same day, the trainer instructs the patient with exercises that the patient can do at home. They have been charging the patient for the instructions 97110, in addition to the E&M visit. They are billing under the physician's name since he has instructed his trainer to instruct the patient and they are documenting the counseling.
In the cpt book 97110 states direct (one-on-one) patient contact. Are there any other practices out there that have been doing this and getting paid. I would appreciate any feedback.
Thanks
Cynthia Robinson, RT, CPC

 

[PLAIDMAN]

I don't believe you can charge for this, I don't think phys trainers are allowed to bill for medical services. Counseling is included in your E/M, which includes instructions for tx and patient education.

I would say that this service is included in your E/M

 

[mitchellde]

use 98960 for this. Some bundle this with the E&M and some do not.