A provider visits an established patient in the patient’s home monthly; which CPT code is correct for this home visit?

A provider visits an established patient in the patient’s home monthly; which CPT code is correct for this home visit?

• A. 99347
• B. 99348
• C. 99349
• D. Home visits are no longer reportable

Answer: (B)

For home visits, you use the time-based established-patient home visit codes. The level you choose depends on how much face-to-face time you spent during the encounter. A monthly home visit that lasts about 40 minutes fits the second level of established home visits, which is coded as 99348. This reflects a longer visit than the first level but not as long as the higher levels. If the encounter were shorter, around 25 minutes, you’d use the first level (99347). If it were closer to 60 minutes, you’d move to 99349, and around 75 minutes would be 99350. Documentation should capture the total time and the key components of the visit (history, exam, medical decision making, counseling, and care coordination). Home visits remain reportable; the statement that they’re no longer reportable is not correct.

For home visits, you use the time-based established-patient home visit codes. The level you choose depends on how much face-to-face time you spent during the encounter. A monthly home visit that lasts about 40 minutes fits the second level of established home visits, which is coded as 99348. This reflects a longer visit than the first level but not as long as the higher levels.

If the encounter were shorter, around 25 minutes, you’d use the first level (99347). If it were closer to 60 minutes, you’d move to 99349, and around 75 minutes would be 99350. Documentation should capture the total time and the key components of the visit (history, exam, medical decision making, counseling, and care coordination).

Home visits remain reportable; the statement that they’re no longer reportable is not correct.