Physical therapy

[ClarendaC]

WHEN A PATIENT ARRIVES AT PHY THERAPY JUST FOR EQUIPMENT ISSUANCE, LIKE STAY A HINGED KNEE BRACE.....
DO I USE THE FOLLOW CODE:
L1810 W/97535
OR JUST L1810??
SAME WITH ISSUING A CANE......
E0100
PHY THERAPIST SHOWED THE PT CORRECT WAY TO USE CANE AND PT DEMONSTRATED TO PT, SO WOULD THAT INCLUDE GAIT TRAINING??
LOST..........HELP.

 

[jmcpolin]

Did the therapist spend 15 minutes or more educating the patient?

 

[ClarendaC]

I'm not sure.......but if they do, does the time need to be documented in the note?

 

[mhstrauss]

I'm not sure.......but if they do, does the time need to be documented in the note?

Absolutely. The therapist must spend (and document) at least 8 minutes (at least half the amount of time specified by the code) to qualify for billing that code.

 

[fnk001]

Here at our PT office we only charge for the DME device unless the therapist spends more than 15 min and does some activities with the patient. I have them document whatever they did with the patient no matter how long they were with the patient.

 

[jmcpolin]

97760

What about 97760 is this code for therapists only?

 

[Cyndi113]

97760 is for PT/OT use. Well as well as PTA/COTA if allowed in your state. We only used these codes when fitting actual orthotics.

BTW, Fnk001, your therapists and/or practice administrators should read the 8 min rule either on the APTA or in the Medicare billing manual.