FAQ #6
       
Can I bill for critical care and another E/M service on the same date?

Answer: Yes, you can. But, the other E/M service must be done FIRST. For example, if you do a progress note on a patient and then they crash later in the day and require critical care, you can bill for both services (see our case of the week from September 3, 2008). You may have to attach the 25 modifier to the critical care note. On the other hand, you cannot bill another E/M service AFTER you bill for a critical care service on the same day.

The following was taken from the Medicare carrier manual:

"Contractor shall instruct physicians and qualified NPPs that when critical care services are performed on the same date after an earlier service was performed in the office/outpatient, inpatient hospital or hospital ED and critical care was not required at that time, both the critical care and other E/M services by the same physician are payable (§30.6.12 H)."