Wiki Physical vs wellness

[samyjm13]

I have a pt, come in for a physical to go on a river trip. This pt. has medicare and the note clearly states that this is a physical to clear him for this river trip. Medicare won't pay preventive codes and don't feel like I can code an E/M, because it states it is a physical. I am really not sure what to do here. Any suggestions out there.

Jeanne

 

[lcashburn]

I think you have to code it as a physical regardless of whether it gets paid or not. An ABN would have been good to get up-front but without it, looks like the practice will lose out on this one.

 

[marniemyers]

If it is explained up front that we will not bill Medicare for the physical, do you have to bill anyway?