Payment for telephone care

Telephone care in pediatrics requires medical judgment, is associated with practice expense and medical liability risk, and can often substitute for more costly face-to-face care. Despite this, physicians are infrequently paid by patients or third-party payors for medical services provided by telephone. As the costs of maintaining a practice continue to increase, pediatricians are increasingly seeking payment for the time and work involved in telephone care. This statement reviews the role of telephone care in pediatric practice, the current state of payment for telephone care, and the practical issues associated with charging for telephone care services, a service traditionally provided gratis to patients and families. Specific recommendations are presented for appropriate documenting, reporting, and billing for telephone care services.