10/25/2022

Billing Patient’s Insurance for Interpreter Services

I have a patient who requires 2 translators( tactile and sign language). I have an agency that does this , however, as you know, this is costly. Moving forward, do I bill the patient's insurance? 

When billing for interpreter services, the assistance should be billed under HCPCS T1013 (Sign language or oral interpretive services, per 15 minutes). The code would be used for both interpreters that are assisting the patient at the time of the visit. Most insurances will not cover interpreter services, even if it is a necessity for the patient. Medicaid and Medicaid Managed Care plans will cover up to two units of the HCPCS code per visit. This code is not covered by Medicare, Medicare advantage plans, and a vast majority of commercial insurances.