Boosting 2023 Revenue through Non-Face-to-Face Interactions
The times they are a-changin’—at least when it comes to medical billing. 2023 has brought a host of updates to coding rules and regulations that are tripping up practices and preventing them from maximizing revenue.
In particular, revisions to non-face-to-face service coding have gone under the radar for those not paying close attention. Here’s what your practice needs to know to get the reimbursement you deserve for your services.
What is Prolonged Non-Face-to-Face Medical Care?
Sometimes, patients require more time and attention than is allotted for a standard visit or procedure, such as a follow-up telehealth appointment or an explanation of procedure results over the phone.
From a clinical and administrative billing perspective, these prolonged medical services are defined as care provided to patients after standard evaluation and management (E/M) services have been performed. Non-face-to-face prolonged medical services, in particular, are performed while patients are not physically present at your office.
Non-face-to-face prolonged medical care has its own set of codes and definitions, which have been updated in 2023. If your team isn’t aware of the latest changes, you could be running into more medical coding errors than you’d like.
Medical Coding Errors
Medical coders use standardized coding systems like ICD-10-CM, CPT, and HCPCS to translate services performed at your practice into claims that insurance providers reimburse.
However, not all services fall under the same codes, regulations, or guidelines. One of the easiest ways to get a claim rejected is to mistake similar face-to-face services for non-face-to-face prolonged care.
Learning how to eliminate medical coding errors for prolonged non-face-to-face care either on your own or with the help of professional remote medical billers can help fix your revenue cycle and increase income quickly.
How to Maximize Revenue for Non-Face-to-Face Visit Time
Not up to date on the latest prolonged non-face-to-face coding changes in 2023? That’s okay! Take note of the following tips to increase your reimbursements:
Be Aware of Updated Coding Guidelines
The 2023 guidelines now clarify that time spent on prolonged services includes the total time spent on the day of a visit, regardless of location.
That means if a provider or qualified health professional performs tasks outside the scope of a procedure that clinical staff members do not typically perform, you can code for the time spent in 15-minute intervals.
- Relevant tasks include:
- Reviewing tests
- Ordering medications
- Communicating with colleagues
- Using EHR software to document information
- Coordinating care
- And more!
Maintain Required Documentation
Accurate documentation of the total time spent on a patient's visit is essential for proper medical coding. Following time-based documentation guidelines not only supports transparent billing practices but also helps prevent potential billing errors and disputes while maintaining the integrity of the healthcare billing process.
Take Advantage of 99417 Expansions
In 2023, CPT 99417 expanded to encompass outpatient consultations, home and residence visits, and cognitive assessment and care planning.
The allowance for prolonged outpatient evaluation and management services is particularly noteworthy. It enables healthcare professionals to dedicate additional time beyond the required duration of the primary service. Each 15 minutes of total time can now be listed separately, adding a new layer of flexibility and precision to the coding process.
Don’t Use Outdated Codes
The following prolonged care codes were retired in 2023. Be sure you aren’t falling back into old habits when coding for new services:
- 99354
- 99355
- 99356
- 99357
Skip the Hassle With DrCatalyst
You're not alone if your team has trouble keeping up with constant medical coding changes. But instead of settling for lackluster performance, why not do something about it by contacting DrCatalyst?
At DrCatalyst, we specialize in providing error-free medical coding, billing, and comprehensive RCM services. If you want to turn your rejections into revenue, now is the perfect time to get your practice back on track.
Call DrCatalyst today for a risk-free, no-obligation consultation, and work with our team to create a personalized solution that’s right for you.
