Starting January 1, 2015 providers can bill for chronic care management. This is a single code 99490 called chronic care management services and requires “at least 20 minutes of clinical staff time directed by physician or other qualified healthcare professional, per calendar month with the following required elements:
- Multiple (two or more) chronic conditions expected to last at least 12 months or until the death of the patient;
- Chronic conditions place the patient at significant risk of death, acute exacerbation/decompensation or functional decline;
- Comprehensive care plan established, implemented, revised, or monitored.”
Providers are allowed to earn $40.39 per month per patient according to the final rule, which was released October 31, 2014. It is important to note that 99490 cannot be billed in addition to 99487 and 99489, which are complex care coordination codes.