Question:
If a nurse is furnishing services that do not require the need for a respiratory therapist would the service be separately billable?
Answer:
When a nurse furnishes services not requiring the skills of a respiratory therapist, the service would constitute routine nursing services covered as such under the inpatient hospital benefit (room and board). The service would not be separately billable as the cost is already captured under the room and board rate.
This question was answered in our annual Respiratory Therapy Reimbursement & Compliance Update webcast. For more hot topics relating to respiratory services, please visit our store or call us at 1.800.252.1578, ext. 2.