How To Use CPT Code 99512

CPT 99512 describes the provision of hemodialysis services to patients in their own homes. This article will cover the description, procedure, qualifying circumstances, appropriate usage, documentation requirements, billing guidelines, historical information, similar codes and billing examples.

1. What is CPT Code 99512?

CPT 99512 can be used to describe the home visit services provided by a healthcare provider to administer hemodialysis to patients with kidney failure. This code is used when the provider visits the patient’s home and performs the necessary procedures to remove waste from the patient’s blood using a dialysis machine.

2. Official Description

The official description of CPT code 99512 is: ‘Home visit for hemodialysis.’

3. Procedure

1. The healthcare provider arrives at the patient’s home and prepares the hemodialysis equipment and supplies.
2. The provider places needles in the patient’s previously prepared vascular access to connect the patient to the dialysis machine.
3. The patient’s blood travels to the machine for cleaning, and then the cleaned blood returns to the patient’s vascular system via tubing.
4. The provider ensures that the dialysis machine is working properly during the service and checks that the patient’s vital signs are stable.
5. The provider documents the treatment and takes the necessary steps to complete the hemodialysis session, which typically lasts two to four hours.

4. Qualifying circumstances

CPT 99512 is used for patients with kidney failure who require hemodialysis. The patient must have a previously prepared vascular access for the provider to connect to the dialysis machine. This code is specifically for home visits, indicating that the patient is unable to receive hemodialysis in a healthcare facility and requires the service to be provided in their own home.

5. When to use CPT code 99512

CPT code 99512 should be used when a healthcare provider visits a patient’s home to provide hemodialysis services. It is important to note that this code is specifically for home visits and should not be used for hemodialysis services provided in a healthcare facility. If the patient receives peritoneal dialysis at home, a different code should be used (99601 or 99602).

6. Documentation requirements

To support a claim for CPT 99512, the healthcare provider must document the following information:

• Patient’s diagnosis of kidney failure
• Documentation of the home visit
• Details of the hemodialysis procedure performed
• Duration of the hemodialysis session
• Documentation of the patient’s vital signs and stability during the session
• Any complications or interventions during the session
• Signature of the healthcare provider

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for CPT 99512, ensure that the service is provided as a home visit for hemodialysis. It is important to follow the specific guidelines for reporting this code and to ensure that it is not reported with other codes that may overlap or duplicate the services provided. It is also important to consider the frequency of hemodialysis treatments, as they typically occur three or more times per week.

8. Historical information

CPT 99512 was added to the Current Procedural Terminology system on January 1, 2002. There have been no updates or changes to the code since its addition.

9. Examples

1. A healthcare provider visiting a patient’s home to perform hemodialysis for a patient with kidney failure.
2. A nurse preparing the hemodialysis equipment and connecting the patient to the dialysis machine during a home visit.
3. A healthcare provider monitoring the patient’s vital signs and ensuring the proper functioning of the dialysis machine during a home hemodialysis session.
4. A healthcare provider documenting the details of the hemodialysis treatment and any interventions performed during a home visit.
5. A nurse completing the necessary steps to complete a hemodialysis session in a patient’s home.
6. A healthcare provider providing home hemodialysis services to a patient three times per week.
7. A nurse visiting a patient’s home to perform a hemodialysis treatment that lasts four hours.
8. A healthcare provider ensuring the stability of a patient’s vital signs during a home hemodialysis session.
9. A nurse documenting the duration of a home hemodialysis session and any complications that arise.
10. A healthcare provider signing off on the completion of a home hemodialysis treatment.