How To Use CPT Code 99071

CPT 99071 describes the provision of educational supplies, such as books, tapes, and pamphlets, by a physician or other qualified healthcare professional to educate the patient about their medical condition. This article will cover the official description, procedure, qualifying circumstances, appropriate usage, documentation requirements, billing guidelines, historical information, similar codes and billing examples.

1. What is CPT Code 99071?

CPT 99071 can be used to describe the provision of educational supplies by a physician or other qualified healthcare professional to educate the patient about their medical condition. These supplies may include books, tapes, and pamphlets that provide information and resources to help the patient better understand and manage their condition.

2. Official Description

The official description of CPT code 99071 is: ‘Educational supplies, such as books, tapes, and pamphlets, for the patient’s education at cost to physician or other qualified health care professional.’

3. Procedure

1. The physician or qualified healthcare professional assesses the patient’s educational needs and determines the appropriate educational supplies to provide.
2. The healthcare professional selects the necessary educational materials, such as books, tapes, or pamphlets, that are relevant to the patient’s medical condition.
3. The healthcare professional provides the educational supplies to the patient, either directly or through a designated channel.
4. The patient receives the educational supplies and is encouraged to review and utilize them to enhance their understanding of their medical condition.
5. The healthcare professional may offer additional guidance or support to the patient regarding the educational materials provided.
6. The cost of the educational supplies is borne by the physician or qualified healthcare professional.

4. Qualifying circumstances

CPT 99071 can be used when a physician or other qualified healthcare professional provides educational supplies, such as books, tapes, and pamphlets, to educate the patient about their medical condition. These supplies are provided at the expense of the healthcare professional and are intended to enhance the patient’s understanding and self-management of their condition.

5. When to use CPT code 99071

CPT code 99071 should be used when a physician or other qualified healthcare professional provides educational supplies to the patient for their education and self-management of their medical condition. It is important to note that not all payers may cover this code, so it is advisable to check with each payer to determine their reimbursement policies.

6. Documentation requirements

To support a claim for CPT 99071, the healthcare professional should document the following information:

• The patient’s medical condition and the need for educational supplies
• The specific educational supplies provided, such as books, tapes, or pamphlets
• The date and method of delivery of the educational supplies
• Any additional guidance or support provided to the patient regarding the educational materials
• The signature of the physician or qualified healthcare professional providing the educational supplies

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for CPT 99071, it is important to ensure that the educational supplies are provided by a physician or other qualified healthcare professional. The cost of the supplies should be borne by the healthcare professional. It is also advisable to check with each payer to determine their reimbursement policies for this code.

8. Historical information

CPT 99071 was added to the Current Procedural Terminology system on January 1, 1990. There was a historical change to the code on January 1, 2013, which clarified that the educational supplies should be provided at the cost of the physician or qualified healthcare professional.

9. Examples

1. A physician providing a book on diabetes management to a patient newly diagnosed with diabetes.
2. A qualified healthcare professional giving a tape recording on relaxation techniques to a patient with anxiety.
3. A physician providing pamphlets on nutrition and exercise to a patient with obesity.
4. A healthcare professional giving a book on coping strategies to a patient with chronic pain.
5. A physician providing educational materials on medication adherence to a patient with hypertension.
6. A qualified healthcare professional giving a tape recording on breathing exercises to a patient with asthma.
7. A physician providing pamphlets on stress management to a patient with depression.
8. A healthcare professional giving a book on self-care techniques to a patient with a chronic skin condition.
9. A physician providing educational materials on smoking cessation to a patient who wants to quit smoking.
10. A qualified healthcare professional giving a tape recording on sleep hygiene to a patient with insomnia.