General Surgery Coding Alert - 2017 Issue 4
Reader Question: Make Sure You're Clear on Advance Care Planning Payment
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Article Overview
This article addresses a coding and reimbursement question about advance care planning under Medicare. It is relevant to physicians, coders, billers, and revenue cycle staff who need to understand when this type of service is reported alongside preventive visits versus other outpatient encounters, and how payer rules can affect patient cost-sharing. The discussion also points readers to CMS educational material for further background.
Why This Topic Matters
Advance care planning is commonly affected by payer-specific coverage and cost-sharing rules. Understanding the billing context helps reduce claim denials, patient balance confusion, and compliance risk.
Article Sections
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Question
Introduces a billing scenario involving advance care planning and a payer question about patient cost-sharing. The section frames the coding concern raised by the reader.
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Answer
Addresses the Medicare billing context for advance care planning and annual wellness visits, and notes related reporting considerations. The section also references CMS educational guidance.
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Resource
Provides a CMS reference for additional background on advance care planning coverage and billing guidance.
What You Will Learn
- How advance care planning billing is discussed in relation to Medicare coverage
- How the service is described in connection with annual wellness visits and office E/M encounters
- Where to find CMS educational material for further guidance on the topic
- What types of billing and reimbursement questions commonly arise for this service
Who Should Read This
- Medical coders
- Medical billers
- Revenue cycle staff
- Physicians
- Practice managers
- Compliance staff
Codes Discussed
Code Ranges Discussed
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