How To Use CPT Code 99082

CPT 99082 describes the provision of unusual travel services for patient care by a healthcare provider. 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 99082?

CPT 99082 can be used to describe the unusual travel services provided by a healthcare provider to facilitate patient care in a way that is not normally required. This code is used when the provider accompanies a patient during transport or directly transports a patient, such as accompanying a patient in an ambulance or medical flight.

2. Official Description

The official description of CPT code 99082 is: ‘Unusual travel (eg, transportation and escort of patient).’ There are no additional notes available for this code.

3. Procedure

1. The healthcare provider accompanies a patient during transport or directly transports a patient in a manner that is not typically required.

4. Qualifying circumstances

CPT 99082 is used when the healthcare provider travels to facilitate patient care in a way that is not normally required. This may include accompanying a patient in an ambulance or medical flight. However, it is important to note that most payers do not reimburse physicians for this service, as they are already paying a transport company for its services, which includes patient care. It is advisable to submit a report to support the claim, accounting for the circumstances and distances involved. Payers typically reimburse only one trip, regardless of the number of patients seen or services provided.

5. When to use CPT code 99082

CPT code 99082 should be used when a healthcare provider provides unusual travel services for patient care that are not typically required. However, it is important to note that most payers do not reimburse physicians for this service, as they are already paying a transport company for its services, which includes patient care.

6. Documentation requirements

To support a claim for CPT 99082, the healthcare provider should submit a report that includes the circumstances and distances involved in the unusual travel. Payers typically reimburse only one trip, regardless of the number of patients seen or services provided.

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for CPT 99082, it is important to note that most payers do not reimburse physicians for this service, as they are already paying a transport company for its services, which includes patient care. Therefore, it is advisable to submit a report to support the claim, accounting for the circumstances and distances involved. Payers typically reimburse only one trip, regardless of the number of patients seen or services provided.

8. Historical information

CPT 99082 was added to the Current Procedural Terminology system on January 1, 1990. There have been no updates to the code since its addition.

9. Examples

1. A physician accompanying a patient in an ambulance during transport to a specialized medical facility.
2. A healthcare provider directly transporting a patient via medical flight to a distant hospital for specialized treatment.
3. A physician accompanying a patient during a long-distance road trip to provide medical care and monitoring.
4. A healthcare provider traveling with a patient to a remote location to provide medical services in a challenging environment.
5. A physician accompanying a patient during a medical evacuation from a disaster-stricken area to a safe location for further treatment.
6. A healthcare provider traveling with a patient to a different country to provide medical care and coordination with local healthcare professionals.
7. A physician accompanying a patient during transport to a research facility for participation in a clinical trial.
8. A healthcare provider directly transporting a patient to a specialized rehabilitation center for intensive therapy.
9. A physician accompanying a patient during transport to a hospice facility for end-of-life care.
10. A healthcare provider traveling with a patient to a specialized clinic for a rare medical condition that requires expert care.