NOV 15, 2016
Additional Codes for Emergency Patient
Question: We recently treated a patient after hours as she got chemical powder in her eye and was in extreme pain. Our physician billed CPT code 99214 as well as a lavage of eyes and placed a bandage contact lens. Can we separately bill for the eyewash? Can we use a separate code for the emergency after-hours care?
Answer: The exam includes the eye wash. CPT code 99050 Services provided in the office at times other than regularly scheduled office hours, or days when the office is normally closed may be appropriate for the after-hours component. However, you should never bill this code to Medicare or Medicaid. When you submit CPT 99050 to other payers they may:
- Pay an allowed amount;
- Allow you to bill the patient;
- State that it is included in the exam submitted.