• If this is your first visit, be sure to check out the FAQ & read the forum rules. To view all forums, post or create a new thread, you must be an AAPC Member. If you are a member and have already registered for member area and forum access, you can log in by clicking here. If you've forgotten the password it can be reset on our sign in section by entering your registered Email Address or Username here. To start viewing messages, select the forum that you want to visit from the selection below..

Wiki Counseling Parent w/out pt present

Create Wiki
L

lapcpc

Networker
Messages
46
Location
Somersworth, NH
Best answers
0
One of my providers received a telephone call from a patients mother who had some concerns with daycare issues. The provider brought the mother into the office and counseled and discussed these "issues" - wondering if this counseling w/out pt present billable?

Just want to confirm what I think as not being billable.

Thanks for your help.
 
Per CPT 2009, page 1: "Counseling is a discussion with a patient and/or family..."
The "or" indicates that the counseling could be done with the family, in your case the mother, however I wonder if this visit was medically necessary if it was for day-care issues.
 
Yes it's billable. Code the appropriate CPT based on time spent counseling. Use the appropriate ICD-9 for the diagnosis / chief complaint... we usually end up doing this for parents who want to discuss behavioral problems.
 
how funny! I just posted almost the same question! :) I agree, I thought the guidelines specifying "and/or family members" would mean we can bill for a visit with a parent or family member. I just wanted to see if others were in agreement.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Top