Open Forum

Hi Aleesa, yes most definitely it also allows the nurse to work at the top of her scope. Do you have experience utilizing this billable code? I'd appreciate examples on how it's being used. Thank you. 

Debbie 

Hi Aleesa, yes most definitely it also allows the nurse to work at the top of her scope. Do you have experience utilizing this billable code? I'd appreciate examples on how it's being used. Thank you. 

Debbie 

Hi Stephanie,

Thank you for your clear explanation; this is very helpful. Question though regarding triage calls. If the nurse takes the initial call then discusses and gathers direction from the provider can the nurse then bill regarding the call? I work in a pulmonary office so these are not new diagnoses when patients call but more chronic conditions.

Debbie

Hi Stephanie,

Thank you for your clear explanation; this is very helpful. Question though regarding triage calls. If the nurse takes the initial call then discusses and gathers direction from the provider can the nurse then bill regarding the call? I work in a pulmonary office so these are not new diagnoses when patients call but more chronic conditions.

Debbie

We place it under nurse visit. I am not sure how it is billed on the back end but we do charge it in Epic that way. We also have started charging for extended triage needs or follow up. This process is new and we are still working out the kinks but we do charge for extended phone call time with a patient. 

I would love to join this conversation. My billing team states that telephone triage can not be billed using codes 98966- 98968 as these codes are only for Registered Dieticians, Social Workers, Speech Therapists, PT & OT.

There is so much value to the organization, the patient, and the healthcare industry with Nurse Triage, but without it being billable leaves some to not pursue or not see the value to the organization.

We place it under nurse visit. I am not sure how it is billed on the back end but we do charge it in Epic that way. We also have started charging for extended triage needs or follow up. This process is new and we are still working out the kinks but we do charge for extended phone call time with a patient. 

Hello,

I did some research on the codes that you mentioned.  Here is what CMS states:

  "During the COVID-19 PHE, non-physician practitioners who are eligible to bill Medicare directly, including registered dietitians and nutrition professionals, may bill for audio-only telephone assessment and management services".  Despite the end of the PHE, leniency for billing for telehealth services has been extended through 2024.  After that it will be uncertain.

The key phrase is "practitioners who are eligible to bill Medicare directly".  This does not include RNs as our license does not allow independent diagnosis and treatment.

I would love to join this conversation. My billing team states that telephone triage can not be billed using codes 98966- 98968 as these codes are only for Registered Dieticians, Social Workers, Speech Therapists, PT & OT.

There is so much value to the organization, the patient, and the healthcare industry with Nurse Triage, but without it being billable leaves some to not pursue or not see the value to the organization.

We place it under nurse visit. I am not sure how it is billed on the back end but we do charge it in Epic that way. We also have started charging for extended triage needs or follow up. This process is new and we are still working out the kinks but we do charge for extended phone call time with a patient. 

I would love to join this conversation. My billing team states that telephone triage can not be billed using codes 98966- 98968 as these codes are only for Registered Dieticians, Social Workers, Speech Therapists, PT & OT.

There is so much value to the organization, the patient, and the healthcare industry with Nurse Triage, but without it being billable leaves some to not pursue or not see the value to the organization.

We place it under nurse visit. I am not sure how it is billed on the back end but we do charge it in Epic that way. We also have started charging for extended triage needs or follow up. This process is new and we are still working out the kinks but we do charge for extended phone call time with a patient.