Navigating Point-of-Care Reimbursement in Critical Care, Challenges and Current State

Purpose of ReviewPoint-of-care ultrasound (POCUS) use in the intensive care unit has continued to grow, year over year with more faculty having some training and many programs training fellows. This review is to help summarize recent publications related to credentialing, coding, and billing for POCUS studies.Recent FindingsWhile there have not been significant changes in advice from regulatory agencies related to POCUS billing and reimbursement, there has been more guidance on training, documentation, and coding issued by different specialty organizations.SummaryCredentialing for POCUS remains open for practitioners but is dependent on local governing bodies. Billing for POCUS studies in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) requires documentation including retention of images, diagnosis, and report containing findings. In seeking reimbursement for POCUS in the ICU, developing a workflow that includes all requirements can help to ensure avoid rejected claims.