99211 incident-to billing still allowed, HCFA says

Why This Topic Matters

Billing staff rely on accurate Medicare policy interpretation to avoid incorrect claim submission and unnecessary changes in office workflow. This article helps clarify whether a long-used evaluation and management billing practice remains available under the cited Medicare guidance.

Article Sections

1. Billing question and software-related confusion

   Introduces the reporting issue that prompted concern and describes why a software change led coders to question the billing approach. It frames the article as a Medicare policy clarification rather than a code change announcement.

2. HCFA clarification and manual reference

   Summarizes the agency response and points readers to the applicable Medicare manual guidance. It discusses the general billing context for evaluation and management services and incident-to arrangements.

3. Medicare Carriers Manual section 15501.1 (G)

   Presents the cited manual language that addresses incident-to services furnished by nonphysician practitioners and nonphysician employees. The section explains the policy framework without offering a substitute for the full manual or article.