tci Part B Insider - 2012 Issue 27

Reader Question: Medicare Pays for Face-to-Face Time, Not Standby Time

Question: A surgeon has requested that our anesthesiologist be on stand-by for a procedure he plans to complete under local anesthesia. He's requesting stand-by because the patient is in her 90s and the family does not want her put to sleep. Can we bill Medicare for the stand-by time? Answer: You can only bill Medicare for face-to-face time with the patient, so you won't be able to charge for the stand-by time. Alternative: Some anesthesia groups negotiate a contract rate with the facility for stand-by services. For non-Medicare payers, you can submit 99360 (Physician standby service, requiring prolonged physician...

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