karlam
Networker
What is everyone using for these visits where the patients are coming in for just a referral and no examination or treatment was rendered? Thanks!!!!
An E/M service must be provided. Generally, this means that the patient’s history is reviewed, a limited physical assessment is performed or some degree of decision making occurs. If a clinical need cannot be substantiated, 99211 should not be reported. For example, 99211 would not be appropriate when a patient comes into the office just to pick up a routine prescription.
Exam and treatment is not necessary. I brought it up and referenced the article because there wasn't enough info to determine what is happening here. If it necessitated the patient to present to the office when this is something that could be done over the phone, its possible enough work was done to substantiate this code which is why I listed it as a possibility. As you referenced if its just to pick up a form, which doesn't even involve more than a visit to the waiting room, then no its not billable.