Wiki CPT 98016

[IzumiTM]

Does the physician or other qualified healthcare professional have to be the one to communicate with the patient directly via telephone in order to bill CPT code 98016? Or can the nurse relay the medical discussion to the patient from the provider?

Thank you!

 

[rachaelwilleford]

Per CPT, telemedicine codes are for encounters between the physician or QHP and the patient.

 

[CARLA@PAYNENURSING.COM]

Would it applicable if the person who calls is their caregiver when the patient is nonverbal and has moderate intellectual disabilities?

 

[jkyles]

Hi, that would be OK because the caregiver was acting on behalf of the patient and initiated the call. A call from the provider to the caregiver to see how the patient was doing would not qualify.