Question:
From a billing perspective, under what circumstances may code +98981 be reported in conjunction with code 98980? What specific requirements regarding the duration and type of communication must be met, and what documentation practices are necessary to support these charges?
Answer:
From a billing perspective, code +98981 may be reported when appropriate with 98980, as an add-on code for each additional full 20 minutes of time. Note that these are time-based codes requiring at least one interactive communication with the patient or caregiver during the calendar month. Pay particular attention to documentation practices to fully support charges.
This question was answered in our Coding Essentials for RT/Pulmonary Function. For more hot topics relating to respiratory services, please visit our store or call us at 1.800.252.1578, ext. 2.