mchat

OK, I think I have written about the 96110 more than any other specific subject!

First, big thanks go out to Igor for getting this data for me. Sure, he deserves a raise...we all do.

The list below should not be considered a 100% accurate report of which payers, by state, cover the 96110 (or 96111, for that matter) for two reasons:

I have had a number of off-line and on-line requests for details about who, exactly, is paying for the deveopmental testing (96110 and 96111) and non-face-to-face codes (or the "telephone codes"), so Igor was kind enough to look it up for me.

I've written extensively about 96110 usage among practicing pediatricians in the past and wanted to provide an update for 2008/9.

The 96110 CPT code...now properly included in AAP preventive care protocols, thanks to Bright Futures. Many practices have performed the screening tests for years, but only few pediatricians actually bill for it. I've seen a lot of folks ask about billing for these important parts of preventive visits, so I thought I'd gather some quick data and helpful advice.

First, the advice. Check out this amazing site and its list of excellent 96110 FAQs and their answers. Awesome stuff from the AAP. I'm going to do some more fishing in here.

There's also this excellent piece from Medical Newswire that goes through each of the services expected from the Bright Futures protocols and how to bill for them. These are two of the best on-line references I've seen in a long time...and I didn't even know that Drs. Tuck and Lessin would be quoted in them, promise!

And, when in doubt, check out the AAP's Medical Home Info WWW site - they have excellent documentation about the use of the 96110 code.

Now, for the eye candy:

Click (or here) on the pic for a better view.

Tight to read, I know, but here's what it tells us: since 2003 (when I believe the definition was last updated), PCC custoemr usage of the 96110 code has gone from 4% of our clients to 29%. At the same time, those clients who do use it, have increased their volume from an annual average of 301 to almost 2000!

Tomorrow, I'll post the $$. It's any interesting story. Obviously, though, if our clients weren't getting paid for it, they wouldn't be using it. [2008 is projected usage, btw.] Bottom line: what are you remaining 70% waiting for?!

Check out the new poll on the left.