Update rules for new prolonged service codes for smooth sailing this year

Why This Topic Matters

The updates affect whether claims for prolonged services and certain care-management services are payable, how they are timed, and what documentation supports them. Understanding the changes helps practices avoid denials and correctly report work that previously may not have been reimbursed.

Article Sections

1. Overview of 2017 prolonged service updates

   Introduces the year-specific Medicare changes affecting non-face-to-face prolonged services and related billing guidance.

2. Billing timing clarification and documentation expectations

   Covers the revised timing policy for reporting prolonged service work and the documentation focus discussed in the article.

3. Related billing restrictions and companion-code guidance

   Summarizes the broader policy updates involving companion service relationships, restricted code pairings, and practitioner-level reporting limits.