June 15, 2021 – Revised 12.12.23
Cognitive Assessment: What's in the Written Care Plan?
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
Refer to the Medicare Physician Fee Schedule for the payment amount when provided in an office setting.
Get details on Medicare coverage requirements and proper billing at cms.gov/cognitive.