Respiratory Question for the Week of December 10, 2018

Question:

Does Medicare cover chronic care management (CCM) services delivered by respiratory therapists?

Answer:

On its website, the American Association of Respiratory Care (AARC) states that the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services covers CCM services for patients with two or more chronic conditions (including chronic obstructive pulmonary disease [COPD] and asthma) expected to “last at least 12 months or until death or put the patient at risk for an acute exacerbation/decompensation, or functional decline.”

It also says, “At least 20 minutes of clinical staff time (e.g. respiratory therapist) directed by a physician or other qualified health care professional is required in order to bill Medicare for the service. If the patient requires moderate or complex medical care, up to 60 minutes of clinical staff time must be recorded for billing purposes.”