Can non-authorized Medicare providers who are providing tobacco dependence counseling on an INPATIENT basis be reimbursed incident to a physician’s professional services?
No. All inpatient Medicare services are paid by DRG—Diagnosis Related Group. The set DRG payment is modified by comorbid conditions and geographic location, rather than by specific service rendered. Thus, payment to the hospital would not change whether tobacco counseling were provided or not. These services are said to be “bundled”. It is still important for “nicotine dependence” to be included in the list of co-morbid conditions.
Related Questions
- Can non-authorized Medicare providers who are providing tobacco dependence counseling on an OUTPATIENT basis be reimbursed incident to a physicians professional services?
- Can non-authorized Medicare providers who are providing tobacco dependence counseling on an OUTPATIENT basis be reimbursed incident to a physician’s professional services?
- Can non-authorized Medicare providers who are providing tobacco dependence counseling on an INPATIENT basis be reimbursed incident to a physician’s professional services?
