We could bill 99422 it’s 30$ 11-20 min. That works for just portal communication too. Medicare red white blue is the only definite payor. MA will vary by payor meaning probably not covered. Commercial same.
Cash is probably easiest for now. We probably ought to document a verbal waiver that we are not billing insurance for this. There is probably a clause in some insurance contracts saying we must bill insurance for covered services. Problem is most (but not all) don’t cover it.
One caveat: evisit for routine communication of lab results or simple follow up to recent in-office visits would run afoul of Medicare as that’s included in 99213-4.
We might be canceling or curtailing routine visits for a while from our side or patient side. Keep overhead low and use evisits for more things-even some stuff we previously handled by phone ( un reimbursed and better handled with a quick e visit). Today patients were grateful to have me take the time to video call them, $40 was not a concern. I liked being able to take my time on a call and not feel it’s unreimbursed.
I might try doxy.me they have a payment setup and a “waiting room”. Updox video doesn’t have either.
This might change how I practice onward. Fortunately we can just do it without endless approval meetings. More personal doc-patient contact likely strengthens the relationship ala concierge medicine. I talked to a guy on vacation about mild allergies/asthma (maybe would’ve been free via nurse relayed messages before), and I could feel how good his wife felt about the ability to reach out and get personal call.
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