Ask a Part B News Expert: How do multiple providers, in the same practice, bill for seeing the same patient?

Why This Topic Matters

Situations where one physician admits a patient and another physician in the same practice continues care can create billing uncertainty. Understanding the applicable Medicare guidance helps practices report hospital services appropriately and avoid duplicate or unsupported claims.

Article Sections

1. Question about observation status and transfer of care within the same group

   Introduces a billing scenario involving two physicians from the same practice seeing the same patient during observation. It frames the concern about whether the second physician may report the later day of care.

2. Answer and Medicare guidance on same-day hospital visits

   Summarizes the general billing approach for services rendered by different physicians and references Medicare guidance on hospital visits provided on the same day. It also notes the broader issue of concurrent care in hospital settings.

3. Medicare Claims Manual reference

   Provides the cited Medicare manual source and internet reference supporting the discussion.