What changes are underway to improve coding for home infusion nursing visits?
In the 2002 code sets, there were unfortunate gaps in codes available for use on claims for home nurse visits associated with home infusion. But now we have some very good news! Things are greatly improved in 2003 through release of the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services’ (CMS) 2003 HCPCS codes and the American Medical Association’s (AMA) 2003 CPT codes. Included in 2003 HCPCS effective 1/1/03 were “S” codes and modifiers that provide for home infusion nursing billing by visit up to two hours and incremental hours exceeding that. CPT 2003 codes are also available. As compared to the 2002 CPT codes, effective January 1, 2003 there were significant changes for coding home infusion nursing, but the code set available was overly complicated. Because of this, NHIA had advised that providers and payers not adopt those CPT codes for home infusion nursing. But early in 2003, AMA announced a very positive step to provide a permanent resolution for this coding in time for the October 200
Related Questions
- Must providers and payers break out coding for home infusion nursing visits? Or, could they agree to include some home nursing as part of the per diem when the HCPCS per diem "S" codes are used?
- What are the home infusion therapy fee schedule and contracting issues brought upon by standardization of coding under HIPAA?
- What happens about VAT or PAYE visits underway when the law changes?
