Quote:
Originally Posted by ocd22
I have been to a psychiatrist and I can not understand how he is billing me. The codes he gives in the invoice are 99214 and 90838. I looked them up and the second codes says 60 mins of psychotherapy. However I never see him for that long. He is always late and today I saw him for probably 30 mins. Has anyone else had this problem? And how can he charge me for more time?
|
the codes depend on what coding system your psychiatrist is using, and what type of insurance plans you are on..
I dont know about your psychiatrist but here in NY and with my own psychiatrist and therapist billing for 60 minutes is standard. my psychiatrist only spends about 20 minutes with me each visit but he still has to bill for the whole hour because after seeing me he must write up his session notes, recommendations, problems I discuss with him, changes, treatment plans...and he also consults with my other treatment providers so that they are all on the same page/treatment plans for me. I see my therapist for what we call a 50 minute hour meaning Im with her for 50 minutes but she still bills the insurance for a fill 60 minutes due to her having to spend time with updating my files, writing session notes, and other treatment plan stuff already mentioned.
you can find out what the codes mean by contacting your psychiatrist. he will explain what coding system he is using and why he is billing you for a full 60 minutes.