Coding > Coding

2 E & M codes billed in same week by same dr

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tlovita1@aol.com:
Hi,  my doctor saw a patient on one day, then 2 days later he wants to see her again for f/up for same reason and diagnosis.  How can I bill this? he was wondering if I can bill it as a emergency type visit, or is there a modifier that can be used? Remember, the diagnosis is the same, but pt wanted to see dr, and did not want to wait for 2 week f/up.

Michele:
They would both be coded as the appropriate E&M service.  Just because they are done in the same week does not mean it should be coded differently.  It is not unheard of for a dr to see a patient twice in one week for the same condition, depending on what that condition was.  For example, pts with conjuctivitis can be seen 2 - 3 times in one week.  A patient with high blood pressure may be requested to come in again to see if the medication is working.  There are many circumstances that a patient may be seen more than 1 time in a week.

PMRNC:
Hi,  my doctor saw a patient on one day, then 2 days later he wants to see her again for f/up for same reason and diagnosis.  How can I bill this? he was wondering if I can bill it as a emergency type visit, or is there a modifier that can be used? Remember, the diagnosis is the same, but pt wanted to see dr, and did not want to wait for 2 week f/up.

Which is it? You say the doctor wanted the follow-up in 2 days, and then you say patient wanted to see doctor?
There's quite a difference between 2 days and 2 weeks IMO

tlovita1@aol.com:
The issue is that the patient needed to see the dr within a few days of the 1st visit, same reason, my concern is if the insurance co.will deny the 2nd visit as inclusive to the 1st visit.

Michele:

--- Quote ---They would both be coded as the appropriate E&M service.  Just because they are done in the same week does not mean it should be coded differently.  It is not unheard of for a dr to see a patient twice in one week for the same condition, depending on what that condition was.  For example, pts with conjuctivitis can be seen 2 - 3 times in one week.  A patient with high blood pressure may be requested to come in again to see if the medication is working.  There are many circumstances that a patient may be seen more than 1 time in a week.
--- End quote ---

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