Can an FQHC encounter be charged when only seen by a nurse?
Question: A Medicare patient comes into the health center with their own serum for an allergy shot. The shot was administered by an RN or LPN. The appointment is not a face to face with a core provider (PA, NP, or MD) and the patient is not seen by anyone else but the RN/LPN giving the shot. Can an FQHC encounter be charged?
Answer: No – unless this service included a face-to-face with a core provider this is not a billable service to UGS/NGS. However do not forget that the cost of this “non-core” (RN or LPN) provider’s time is calculated in the cost reporting. So although the actual service is not billable it influences the “all inclusive rate.”