Counseling: Can You Bill For A Get-To-Know-You Visit?

Why This Topic Matters

Practices often encounter requests for nontraditional visits that may not fit standard medical necessity or reimbursement rules. Understanding the general billing options and documentation considerations helps staff avoid improper billing and improve consistency in how these encounters are handled.

Article Sections

1. Billing concerns for a meet-and-greet visit

   The article introduces the scenario of a prospective patient requesting an introductory visit and discusses the general billing challenge it creates. It frames the issue around whether the encounter is a billable medical service or a nonclinical marketing activity.

2. Consider 3 Solutions

   This section outlines several broad approaches discussed by the contributors, including charging for the visit, tying the encounter to a medically necessary evaluation, or documenting time spent on counseling-related discussion. It also notes practical considerations around payment arrangements and recordkeeping.