The Provider’s Guide to CPT Code 99487: A Simple Path to Boost Your Practice

Welcome to your no-stress guide to CPT Code 99487! We’re breaking down the important stuff you need to know about getting paid for managing complex chronic care, without the medical jargon overload. If your patients have multiple chronic conditions that need a higher level of care, this code is your ticket to getting paid what you deserve. Let’s get into it!

What’s CPT Code 99487 Anyway?

Think of CPT 99487 like a supercharged tool for managing patients with two or more chronic conditions. This billing code lets you get reimbursed for the time you spend juggling their complex care needs.

Why It Matters: Over 40% of adults in the U.S. are managing two or more chronic conditions. That means a big chunk of your patients could benefit from the care you’re already giving them, and now you can get paid more for it!

How Does CPT 99487 Work?

Who’s Eligible:

• Your patient has two or more chronic conditions that aren’t going away anytime soon (think long-term or lifelong).
• These conditions are complicated enough to need some serious medical decision-making and care coordination.

What You Have to Do:

• Spend at least 60 minutes a month on non-face-to-face care. Yep, that means behind-the-scenes work like coordinating with other doctors, managing medications, and updating treatment plans.

Documentation 101:

• Track the time you spend like it’s gold. Every minute counts, and you’ve got to log it all to get that reimbursement.
• Document everything: care coordination, med adjustments, and chats with other healthcare pros. It’s like keeping a detailed report card for every step you take.

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How to Use CPT 99487 Without Breaking a Sweat

Create a Solid Care Plan:

• You need to build a detailed care plan for your patient that covers all their chronic conditions. This is your game plan for how you’re going to help them stay on track and feel better.

Collaborate Like a Pro:

• You’re not doing this alone. You’ll need to team up with other healthcare providers (specialists, therapists, home health folks) to make sure everything’s in sync. It’s all about having that A-team working together!

Keep the Communication Flowing:

• Make sure to check in regularly with your patient (or their caregiver) to see how they’re doing and tweak the care plan as needed. It’s like doing regular maintenance on a car—keeps things running smoothly.

Why CPT 99487 is a Game Changer for Your Practice

Get Paid More:

• Complex patients mean more work, and CPT 99487 ensures you get paid for it. You can bill around $93 for 60 minutes of care coordination every month. That’s extra cash for doing what you’re already doing!

More Revenue for Your Practice:

• Practices that focus on managing complex chronic conditions see a 20-30% revenue boost. The extra effort equals extra rewards.

Better Outcomes for Your Patients:

• When you’re on top of their care, your patients stay healthier and avoid unnecessary hospital visits. Studies show programs like this can cut hospitalizations by 10%—which means better quality of life for your patients.

Happier Patients, Better Reviews:

• Patients love feeling cared for, especially when you’re keeping a close eye on all their conditions. Expect higher patient satisfaction and better follow-through on treatment plans.

Team Efficiency on Point:

• You don’t have to do it all yourself! Enlist the help of your care coordinators or advanced practice clinicians. Let your team work smarter, not harder, while still giving top-notch care.

How ViuHealth Makes CPT 99487 a Breeze

ViuHealth’s Role:

Let’s be real—keeping track of all that care coordination and documentation can feel like a lot. That’s where ViuHealth comes in. Our platform is designed to take your practice to the next level from streamlining processes and improving patient care, to uncovering new revenue opportunities. Here’s how ViuHealth supports your practice in effectively managing complex chronic care.

Save Valuable Time:

• One of the key requirements for CPT 99487 is coordinating non-face-to-face care for at least 60 minutes each month. ViuHealth’s virtual Care Team collaborates directly with your patients, providing disease-specific education and answering their questions. This offloads some of the routine, time-consuming work, allowing you to meet the 60-minute requirement while also reclaiming time during in-person visits.

Uncover Hidden Reimbursements:

• CPT 99487 offers higher reimbursement due to the complexity of care involved. ViuHealth’s technology-driven, clinician-led autoimmune care management can help you capture even more reimbursements by identifying new revenue opportunities within chronic care management. Our platform ensures you’re billing for every minute of care coordination your practice provides.

Seamless Communication:

• One of the challenges with CPT 99487 is the need for constant communication and coordination between multiple healthcare providers. ViuHealth allows you to securely share records and communicate seamlessly via your existing EHR, helping you stay compliant with CPT 99487 documentation requirements without the hassle of learning a new system. This keeps care coordination smooth and uninterrupted.

Exceed Patient Expectations:

• Patients who qualify for CPT 99487 often have multiple chronic conditions that require daily tracking and frequent adjustments to their care plans. ViuHealth’s patient-friendly platform helps these patients track their progress day-to-day, giving them tools to stay engaged and on top of their health. This exceeds patient expectations and ensures they remain satisfied with the level of care and attention they’re receiving.

Foster Stronger Relationships:

• CPT 99487 is all about delivering high-touch, continuous care. ViuHealth enhances your ability to stay connected with patients in between visits, offering ongoing support and education. This fosters stronger relationships with your patients, increasing their trust and loyalty to your practice. These supportive interactions also contribute to the comprehensive care plans required by CPT 99487, ensuring patients feel seen and cared for throughout their health journey.

Wrap-Up: You Got This!

CPT 99487 isn’t just another code—it’s your golden ticket to delivering awesome care to your most complex patients, while getting reimbursed for the time and effort you put in. With the right tools and a little help from ViuHealth, you can simplify the process, keep your practice running smoothly, and focus on what really matters: helping your patients feel their best.