Practice Improvement

When to Bill New Patient Codes for Existing Patients

Can a new patient visit be billed for a previously treated patient? The short answer is yes. A new patient visit may be billed if it has been at least three years since your last visit. Are there exceptions? No, only further clarification.

In group practice settings the rule is similar, a new patient visit may only be billed if the patient has not been treated at the practice for a period of at least three years. A change of practice affiliation or tax identification number does not change the three-year rule.