Does AAHCP update the CPT codes and Medicare payment rates every year?
Yes, the Academy updates its booklets and website annually to reflect the current codes and fee schedule. In 2006, CMS accepted the AAHCP proposal to pay providers caring for patients in domiciliary care facilities rates comparable to those paid for house calls. This resulted in new rates applying to nine instead of the previous six codes equivalent to codes used for home visits. • What place of service codes do I use for house calls and domiciliary care? There are several place of service codes that affect providers of home care medicine. For house calls, use Code 12 (Home), which covers any location other than a hospital or other facility where the patient receives care in a private residence. For domiciliary care, the codes are as follows: Code 13 for Assisted Living Facility, Code 14 for Group Home, Code 15 for Mobile Unit, Code 33 for Custodial Care Facility, or Code 34 for Hospice. • Can I bill all new patients up front, even if they claim to have Medicare? No. You must bill CMS
