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What is Internal Medicine Medical Billing

Sharon Hollander • March 10, 2024
Stat Medical Consulting - Best Billing Services

Table of Content

  • Overview of Internal Medicine Billing
  • Difference between Internal Medicine and Primary Care
  • Overview of Advance Care Planning (ACP)
  • Internal Medicine ICD Codes
  • Internal Medicine CPT Codes
  • Primary Care  CPT Codes
  • Patient Education CPT Codes

What is Internal Medicine Billing

Internal medicine billing refers to the process of invoicing and managing financial transactions related to medical services provided by internal medicine practitioners. Internal medicine is a specialized branch of medicine that focuses on preventing, diagnosing, and treating adult diseases. In the context of billing, professionals in this field use specific codes, such as Current Procedural Terminology (CPT) and International Classification of Diseases (ICD) codes, to document and bill for the healthcare services rendered.


What is the difference between internal medicine billing and primary care billing?

Primary care is a broader term that encompasses various medical specialties, including internal medicine. Other primary care specialties include family medicine, pediatrics, and geriatrics. Internal medicine focuses specifically on the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of diseases in adults. On the other hand, primary care includes a range of general healthcare services provided by physicians who are typically the first point of contact for patients. Internal medicine practitioners can serve as primary care physicians for adult patients, but family medicine physicians, for example, may provide primary care for individuals of all ages. 


Common CPT codes for Primary Care pdf


Introduction to Advance Care Planning (ACP)

Advance Care Planning (ACP) holds a pivotal role in healthcare, emphasizing proactive discussions on future medical preferences. This process engages patients, families, and healthcare providers in collaborative conversations to outline healthcare goals and choices. Unlike routine medical discussions, ACP anticipates potential scenarios, empowering individuals to make informed decisions in harmony with their values. In the realm of internal medicine billing and primary care, ACP introduces a critical dimension by focusing on personalized, future-oriented healthcare decisions. Its significance is underscored in the context of ACP medical billing and ACP coding, where it adds value by ensuring that medical care aligns seamlessly with individual preferences while facilitating patient autonomy.


Internal Medicine ICD-10 Codes

Internal medicine ICD codes (International Classification of Diseases) are alphanumeric codes used for medical diagnosis coding. Below are some common internal medicine ICD codes along with their use cases:


Condition ICD-10 Code Description
Hypertension Code: I10 This code is used for primary hypertension diagnoses. It helps in identifying and managing patients with high blood pressure.
Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus: Code: E11 This code is applied to patients with type 2 diabetes. It assists in tracking and managing individuals with this specific form of diabetes.
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) Code: J44 J44 is used for coding chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, including chronic bronchitis and emphysema, aiding in the identification and management of respiratory conditions.
Rheumatoid Arthritis Code: M05 M05 is employed for coding rheumatoid arthritis with rheumatoid factor, assisting in the diagnosis and management of this autoimmune condition.
Heart Failure: Code: I50 I50 is used for coding heart failure. It helps in identifying and managing patients with impaired cardiac function.
Atrial Fibrillation: Code: I48 I48 is applied for coding atrial fibrillation and atrial flutter. It aids in diagnosing and managing irregular heart rhythms.
Chronic Kidney Disease: Code: N18 N18 is used for coding chronic kidney disease. It assists in identifying and managing patients with impaired kidney function.
Osteoarthritis: Code: M15 M15 is used for coding primary osteoarthritis, helping in the diagnosis and management of degenerative joint disease.
Depression Code: F32 F32 is applied for coding major depressive disorder. It assists in identifying and managing patients with depression.
Hypothyroidism: Code: E03 E03 is used for coding hypothyroidism, aiding in the diagnosis and management of underactive thyroid conditions.

Internal Medicine CPT Codes

CPT codes (Current Procedural Terminology) are used to report medical procedures and services performed by healthcare professionals. Here are some common CPT codes for internal medicine, along with their use cases:


Condition CPT Code Description
Comprehensive Initial Evaluation: CPT Code: 99204 This code is used for a comprehensive new patient evaluation, typically in an office or outpatient setting. It includes a detailed history, comprehensive examination, and medical decision-making.
Follow-up Office Visit - Established Patient: CPT Code: 99214 This code is used for a detailed follow-up office visit for an established patient with a stable medical condition, requiring a focused history, examination, and medical decision-making.
Annual Wellness Visit: CPT Code: G0438 (initial visit) and G0439 (subsequent visit) These codes are used for the annual wellness visit for Medicare beneficiaries, focusing on preventive services, health risk assessments, and personalized prevention plan services.
Prolonged Services Without Face-to-Face Contact: CPT Code: 99358-99359 These codes are used to report prolonged non-face-to-face services provided by the physician beyond the usual service time of an office visit or other evaluation and management service.
Echocardiogram, complete: CPT Code: 93306 This code is used for a complete transthoracic echocardiogram, providing detailed imaging of the heart's structure and function.
Colonoscopy, diagnostic, with or without collection of specimen(s) by brushing or washing, with or without colon decompression (separate procedure): CPT Code: 45378 This code is used for a diagnostic colonoscopy, allowing visualization of the colon for the detection of abnormalities or to investigate symptoms.
Pulmonary Function Testing, Spirometry: CPT Code: 94010 This code is used for spirometry, a common pulmonary function test that measures the volume and flow of air during inhalation and exhalation.
Diabetes Management: CPT Code: 95250 This code is used for diabetes management services, including continuous subcutaneous glucose monitoring with interpretation and report.
Immunization Administration: CPT Code: 90471-90474 These codes are used for the administration of vaccines, including counseling by the physician or other qualified healthcare professional.
Electrocardiogram (ECG or EKG): CPT Code: 93000 This code is used for the recording and interpretation of an electrocardiogram, providing information about the heart's electrical activity.

Most Common Primary Care CPT Code Ranges and Associated Conditions

The following are some of the most common primary care CPT codes along with their associated conditions.


Condition Code Range Description
Office or Other Outpatient Visit (New Patient) CPT Code: 99201-99205 Various new patient conditions require evaluation and management.
Office or Other Outpatient Visit (Established Patient) CPT Code: 99211-99215 Follow-up visits for established patients with a range of medical conditions.
Preventive Medicine Services CPT Code: 99381-99397 Routine wellness and preventive care for patients of different age groups.
Annual Wellness Visit (AWV) CPT Code: G0438 (initial) and G0439 (subsequent) Focused on preventive services for Medicare beneficiaries.
Chronic Care Management (CCM) CPT Code: 99487-99489 Management of two or more chronic conditions between visits.
Transitional Care Management (TCM): CPT Code: 99495-99496 Post-discharge care coordination for patients transitioning from an inpatient to a community setting.
Home Visit Services CPT Code: 99341-99350 Home-based care for patients unable to come to the office.
Telehealth Services: CPT Code: 99201-99215 (for office visits) and other applicable codes for telehealth services. Various medical conditions are addressed through remote consultations.
Prolonged Services CPT Code: 99354-99359 Extended face-to-face or non-face-to-face services beyond typical time frames.
Urgent Care Visit CPT Code: 99202-99205 (New Patient) and 99212-99215 (Established Patient) Associated Conditions: Acute and urgent medical conditions requiring immediate attention.

CPT Code for Patient Education

No specific CPT code exists solely for patient education. Evaluation and management (E/M) codes, such as 99201-99215, encompass patient education within overall healthcare services. Counseling and coordination of care, including education, influence E/M code selection based on complexity and time spent. Document the education time following CPT guidelines to support the chosen code. If education is the main focus, ensure counseling time meets code requirements.


Conclusion

Choosing Stat Medical Consulting Inc. is synonymous with opting for precision, efficiency, and a holistic approach to the success of healthcare practices. Our seasoned professionals not only minimize errors and optimize financial workflows but also contribute to the improvement of patient care and overall healthcare quality through accurate record-keeping.

In a rapidly evolving healthcare environment, partnering with Stat Medical Consulting Inc. is a strategic move towards aligning with a team that prioritizes accuracy, efficiency, and the comprehensive triumph of healthcare providers. Entrust us with your coding and billing needs, and experience the assurance that your requirements are handled by experts dedicated to your success in every facet of healthcare operations.



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