02/09/2023

Revised: Charging Extra for House Calls-Long Distance-Medicare Patients

Are we allowed to charge extra to make a house call for a Medicare patient? We have been asked to make home visits for a few patients who live far enough away from the office, that the usual payment for the service(s) is not economically feasible due to the amount of time it takes to get there and back. The patients' families have offered to pay extra.

Providers cannot assess an additional charge on a claim for driving an extended distance, nor can they accept cash from the patient.  A doctor cannot accept cash for services "already covered" by Medicare.  Doctors can accept cash for services "not covered" by Medicare.