Sign Language services

We were told we could bill the insurance for providing sign language services. So, I billed Fed. Blue Shield with the code T1013 in the HCPCS along with the invoice only to have it denied requesting the appropriate 5 digit cpt-4, ada or HCPCS procedure code. This is only code I could find relating to this billing. Has anyone billed for this service? If so, what code did you use? Thank you.

re: Sign Language services

I am under the impression that the Americans with Disabilities Act does not allow a provider to charge for the services of an interpreter.

re: Sign Language services

You are correct

re: Sign Language services

Title III of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973. Under the federal laws if a sign language interpreter is necessary to assure you effective communication and provide you equal access and quality of services, your doctor must pay for the sign language interpreter. Your doctor is not allowed to bill you for that expense.