Forum - Questions & Answers
webcam visits and POS
What POS could be utilized in assigning this code? Our providers do offer in-home health visits as well.
S. Byrum, CPC
webcam visits
What CPT codes are you using? I am not aware that there are CPT codes for this service. It doesn't meet the criteria of telemedicine.
webcam visits and POS
Thanks for responding. The Dr. is internal medicine who frequently does home visits but also is considering webcam visits and would like to use 99444. Hope this is enough information!
webcam and POS
I think I would use office as a POS.
99444 Online evaluation and management service provided by a physician to an established patient, guardian, or health care provider not originating from a related E/M service provided within the previous 7 days, using the Internet or similar electronic communications network
This code has a status indicator of N, noncovered in the Medicare Fee Schedule.
That means, you can bill a Medicare patient for the service, but Medicare will not pay it. It has 0 RVUs attached to it.
As for other payers, you'll have to call them. If you bill it to a commercial payer, with which you have a contract, and they deny it as "noncovered" you can bill the patient. If they deny it as "incidental" you don't get to bill the patient, typically, under the terms of your contract.
99444 and web cam visits
This is exactly the information that I was seeking. Thank you so much for the helpful information as this seems to be on the cutting edge of billing/coding. Responses have been slow in coming and I had told my supervisor we'd get a response here! --Suzanne
re: webcam visits and POS
If you are billing Medicare, then the CPT® is 99211-99215 with the GT modifier. The POS would then be 11 or the office. The CMS website explains this very well.
CAVEAT: So far, Medicare only allows telemedicine billing for rural medically underserved areas and approved demonstration projects. There is one urban project reported on their website that is now finished.
We need to get CMS to allow this service in urban medically underserved areas.
re: webcam visits and POS
Telemedicine is not for use between the patient and physician via webcam.
Do not bill office visits for services provided via webcam between a physician and patient.
http://www.cms.gov/Outreach-and-Education/Medicare-Learning-Network-MLN/MLNProducts/downloads/telehealthsrvcsfctsht.pdf