In time-based billing for established patients, what does the initial 15 minutes refer to?

In time-based billing for established patients, what does the initial 15 minutes refer to?

• A. The total appointment length
• B. A free-time window
• C. The initial time increment used for billing
• D. Not billable

Answer: (C)

In time-based billing, the encounter is counted in 15-minute blocks. The initial 15 minutes are the first billing increment and serve as the starting point to determine the level of service and the amount billed for the visit with an established patient. Any additional time is added in subsequent 15-minute increments, and the total time spent with the patient (in those blocks) guides the billing level. This initial 15-minute period is not the total appointment length by itself, nor a free window, nor is it nonbillable. For example, a visit longer than the first 15 minutes is billed by adding more 15-minute blocks, with the total time helping decide the appropriate code and charge.

In time-based billing, the encounter is counted in 15-minute blocks. The initial 15 minutes are the first billing increment and serve as the starting point to determine the level of service and the amount billed for the visit with an established patient. Any additional time is added in subsequent 15-minute increments, and the total time spent with the patient (in those blocks) guides the billing level. This initial 15-minute period is not the total appointment length by itself, nor a free window, nor is it nonbillable. For example, a visit longer than the first 15 minutes is billed by adding more 15-minute blocks, with the total time helping decide the appropriate code and charge.