Am I correct in understanding that if a CPT/HCPCS code has a time-frame in the description, for example G0444 depression screening 5-15 minutes, the actual time spent must be documented, correct? It has always been my understanding that time must be documented if you are coding anything based on time.
-
If this is your first visit, be sure to check out the FAQ & read the forum rules. To view all forums, post or create a new thread, you must be an AAPC Member. If you are a member and have already registered for member area and forum access, you can log in by clicking here. If you've forgotten your username or password use our password reminder tool. To start viewing messages, select the forum that you want to visit from the selection below..
Wiki Time based codes
- Thread starter myoumans
- Start date
kmatt35
New
Did you ever get a response on this? I am having the same question from providers.
jkyles
True Blue
- Messages
- 1,204
- Best answers
- 1
Hi there, for codes that state a time range or "at least X minutes" and so on, I haven't been able to find any official guidance that states the provider must document the exact time. My belief is that if an auditor sees "5-15 minutes spent" in every chart, they'll absolutely dig around for more problems or nitpick. But that's just a belief. Depending on the code or code set it might also mean that they miss out on legitimate revenue opportunities. For example, if there's an add-on code or a higher level service they could report for additional time.
Agreed. If I’m auditing and I see a range of time spent documented the same way on multiple notes then I’m going to ask for more info. There may not be a hard guideline but you should be prepared to prove how you are spending the minimum amount of time in the range specified in the code description.
More here:
More here: