New Medicare codes/fees: Communication-based services

Starting in January 2019, providers can bill Medicare for time-based codes for interprofessional consults that do not include a face-to-face interaction with the patient.  The wording is “interprofessional telephone/ internet/ electronic health record assessment and management service provided by a consultative physician including a verbal and written report to the patient’s treating/requesting physician or other qualified health care professional.”  Click here to see the codes and guidelines for usage>

Codes are 99446 (5-10 minutes, $19.39); 99447 (11-20 minutes, $38.39); 99448 (21-30 minutes, $57.78); 99449 (>=31 minutes, $76.77).  99451 is similar but just a written report (5 minutes or more, $39.64); 99452 (30 minutes or more, $39.64).  These may be new or established patients.  Lastly, there are two G codes that are non-face-to-face and intended to determine whether the patient needs an actual in-person visit.  G2010 “remote evaluation of recorded video and/or images submitted by an established patient, including interpretation and follow-up with the patient within 24 business hours, not originating from a related E/M service provided within the previous 7 days nor leading to an E/M service or procedure within the next 24 hours or soonest available appointment;” $13.49. G2012 “brief communication technology-based service, e.g. virtual check-in, by a physician or other qualified health care professional who can report evaluation and management services, provided to an established patient, not originating from a related E/M service provided within the previous 7 days nor leading to an E/M service or procedure within the next 24 hours or soonest available appointment;” 5-10 minutes of medical discussion, $15.71.