Reader Question: Call for Advice Before Reporting EMS Directed ALS From the ED
Question: Is there a code for live feed in back from an EMS transport team to the emergency room?
Answer: There is a CPT® code for physician direction of advanced life support for EMS emergency care, 99288 (Physician or other qualified health care professional direction of emergency medical systems [EMS] emergency care, advanced life support). However, because it is not a face-to-face service, Medicare does not pay for it and the code has zero RVUs assigned. There has been some recent evolution for new codes for telemedicine and non-face-to-face consultations so there might be some hope for future payment...
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