Do you have a patient with a cognitive impairment? Medicare covers a separate visit for a cognitive assessment so you can more thoroughly evaluate cognitive function and help with care planning. Any clinician eligible to report evaluation and management services can offer this service, including: physicians (MD and DO), nurse practitioners, clinical nurse specialists, and physician assistants.

The Cognitive Assessment & Care Plan Services (CPT code 99483) typically start with a 50-minute face-to-face visit that includes a detailed history and patient exam. Use information you gather from the exam to create a written care plan.

The resulting written care plan includes initial plans to address:

• Neuropsychiatric symptoms
• Neurocognitive symptoms
• Functional limitations
• Patient or caregiver referrals to community resources, as needed, with initial education and support

Effective January 1, 2022, Medicare pays approximately $283 (may be geographically adjusted) for these services when provided in an office setting.

Get details on Medicare coverage requirements and proper billing on the CMS Cognitive Assessment & Care Plan Services website.

Source: CMS MLN Connects dated June 23, 2022