Wiki Nurse visit 99211

[ibtrazy2u]

I work in a GI office. When the nurse sees the patient for a "teaching" for Humira injections, etc. is this a billable service? The nurse usually only puts in a chart note (not an actual office note). Where do I find the requirements for billing 99211? Doesn't the visit need to include vitals and have a physician signature to be billable? Any guidance appreciated. Thanks.

 

[em2177]

Code selection for self-injection training will depend on who is providing the service.
An office nurse would be most likely to provide this service, although the provider would have to be in suite at the time. These are incident-to services, and you?d have to report 99211.
99211: Office or other outpatient visit for the evaluation and management of an established patient, that may not require the presence of a physician. Usually, the presenting problem(s) are minimal. Typically, 5 minutes are spent performing or supervising these services.
Documentation of patient education would be necessary.

 

[ibtrazy2u]

Thanks for your response. Does the physician have to sign? Would a "chart note" put in by nurse be sufficient?

 

[thomas7331]

Our Medicare carrier provides this good job aid about the requirements for billing a nurse visit. I don't know if other carriers are quite this strict with the code though.

http://www.ngsmedicare.com/ngs/port...62UkzezbL7LM56o!/dl5/d5/L2dBISEvZ0FBIS9nQSEh/