Reader Question: 99360 is One to Skip for Medicare Billing

Why This Topic Matters

Standby services can be difficult to report correctly because payer policies vary and documentation is often closely scrutinized. Coding and billing teams need to know when standby reporting may be considered, what supporting records are expected, and how to avoid conflating standby time with active procedural assistance.

Article Sections

1. Question

   The reader asks about documenting physician standby time in high-risk surgical situations and whether the service can be reported for reimbursement.

2. Answer

   This section summarizes payer coverage considerations, documentation themes, and the general circumstances discussed for reporting standby services.

3. Note

   This section highlights documentation expectations for both the requesting and standby physicians and discusses general reporting considerations tied to service duration and availability.

4. Important

   This section addresses how reporting changes when the physician is called to actively assist or perform a procedure instead of remaining in standby status.