Family Counseling without patient present.

Is there a way to bill for a visit without the patient present? Thanks

Family Counseling

I see below that this question was asked. Do you believe you can bill an E/M on time with out the patient at all? Or have the pt leave the room and continue with the counceling and cord of care? What about Medicare? We have a peds pt and a medicare pt that we need to bill if possible. Is this just good pt care with out a charge? Or a unlisted E/M and charge the family?

medicare/peds

You need the patient to be present for Medicare, even if just to get vitals and that's it- then send them to the waiting room and talk to the family (if it is ethically appropriate). Bill on total time, not just face to face with patient.
Peds is not paid by Medicare so you can do what you want and cross your fingers

Family Counseling without patient present.

In Peds I am told I can bill for counseling without the child present (parental conference, etc.) I have to bill based on time and follow all the rules about time based billing.

Pediatric Patients

Having worked in a large pediatric hospital system, we did have some patients covered by Medicare. Not many in the overall system, but some that were approved under the parent's social security benefits.
With these patients, I would make certain that the Medicare requirements are met for presence of patient during family counseling.