---
title: How and When to Bill for Physician Telephone Calls
description: How and when to bill patients for physician telephone calls.
---

[Medic Management Blog | Thought Leadership ](https://blog.medicmgmt.com)

# [How and When to Bill for Physician Telephone Calls](https://blog.medicmgmt.com/telephone-call-billing)

 Written by [Laura Summy, CPC, CRC](https://blog.medicmgmt.com/author/laura-summy-cpc-crc) | Feb 14, 2023 2:49:29 PM

Wondering if or when you should bill patients for a physician phone call? If you call a patient to advise of lab or other diagnostic test results only, or to confirm a request for a prescription renewal, that does not fall under this service category and should not be billed to insurance or the patient. However, if a patient calls with a question about a problem or about caring for a condition and you, as a provider, speak with them regarding medical advice, that would be billable.

These services may be covered by insurance but still subject to either a copay or a deductible, so depending on their insurance coverage, the patient may or may not receive a bill.

There are three different service levels for telephone calls, and the only difference is the length of the call. Each service description stipulates an evaluation and management service via a phone call by a physician or other qualified healthcare professional for medical discussion that did not originate from a related encounter within the previous 7 days, nor lead to an encounter or procedure within the next 24 hours or soonest available appointment. The codes reference 5-10 minutes (99441), 11-20 minutes (99442), or 21-30 minutes (99443).

Still have questions regarding billing for telephone calls? We’re happy to help. [Contact us](https://www.medicmgmt.com/contact-us) to set up a conversation.

 

[View full post](https://blog.medicmgmt.com/telephone-call-billing)

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