Wiki E/M without patient being present

[colleen.flynn27@gmail.com]

Can E/M services be billed for a pediatric patient without the patient present? A parent came to the appointment without the patient and my provider believes that a 99212 can be billed. I'm having trouble finding definitive supporting documentation that either supports or does not support this. Any insight would be greatly appreciated!

 

[apilbin]

Can E/M services be billed for a pediatric patient without the patient present? A parent came to the appointment without the patient and my provider believes that a 99212 can be billed. I'm having trouble finding definitive supporting documentation that either supports or does not support this. Any insight would be greatly appreciated!

"face-to-face encounter with the patient and/or family/caregiver" is in the AMA E/M guidelines but I would check with the payer as some do not allow/cover it. Also, you can add Z71.0.