QUESTION #928: Sometimes we will give a patient a comprehensive history over the phone. Can we bill them for an office visit if they are not physically in our office?

ANSWER (07/29/09): This depends on the payor. For example, Medicare and Medi-Cal will only pay for face-to-face office visits. Some contracts will specifically say that they will not pay for non-face-to-face visits. Physicians should check their contracts for clarification.

REFERRAL: CMA Reimbursement Helpline, (888) 401-5911