A report of findings is a component of an evaluation and management service (99201 through 99205 and 99211 through 99215) under counseling. Counseling is an integral part of the E&M service and is part of the criteria for choosing the appropriate evaluation and management code. Counseling, as defined in CPT 2006, is defined as a discussion with a patient and/or family concerning one or more of the following areas:
Therefore a report of findings is included in the initial evaluation and management service; it is not a separate service requiring its own code. This counseling component of the E&M service is typically done in one patient encounter. If the counseling (report of findings) is conducted on a separate or subsequent visit, it could be appropriate to bill an additional E&M service; but you must justify the necessity of two E&M services performed on consecutive visits. The use of E&M services on subsequent visits is a scenario that should not be routine, as most cases would not have the complexity to require such services.
If a provider prefers doing the counseling (report of findings) on a separate, subsequent visit, then it would likely not be appropriate to bill any additional code for the counseling, as that component was already included in the prior service. There is nothing wrong with performing the service in this way, but this "style" does not increase the amount of billing or the codes utilized. The same services were done; they were simply divided into two visits. If you feel you deserve to bill an additional E&M code for the service, be sure to have adequate documentation and justification of such billing, as there is a greater chance that this type of claim will be audited.
When sports chiropractors first appeared at the Olympic Games in the 1980s, it was alongside individual athletes who had experienced the benefits of chiropractic care in their training and recovery processes at home. Fast forward to Paris 2024, where chiropractic care was available in the polyclinic for all athletes, and the attitude has now evolved to recognize that “every athlete deserves access to sports chiropractic."
It is estimated that 61% of patients with CTS avoid taking surgical options due to postoperative complications and costly surgical procedures. Chiropractic care offers a comprehensive and effective treatment for carpal tunnel syndrome, addressing the condition from multiple angles. Recent studies also have unveiled a game-changing adjunct to chiropractic treatments for CTS: nerve flossing.
Some doctors thrive in a personality-based clinic and have a loyal following no matter what services or equipment they offer, but for most chiropractic offices who are trying to grow and expand, new equipment purchases help us stay relevant and continue to service our client base in the best, most up-to-date manner possible. So, regarding equipment purchasing: should you lease, get a bank loan, or pay cash?
