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. Three things you need to know:

1. If your patient shows signs of cognitive impairment at an Annual Wellness Visit or other routine visit, you may perform a more detailed cognitive assessment and develop a care plan
2. 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, resulting in a written care plan
3. 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

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 at cms.gov/cognitive.

Source: CMS MLN Connects dated March 31, 2022