Currently, Medicare has not assigned an RVU or reimbursement value to this code and in the past, most payors did not consider additional payment for code S2900. However, in our work with general surgery practices, we have experienced some reimbursement by private payors. One EOB showed payment of a little over $42. (Every little bit helps!) Anecdotally, general surgery practices have indicated payments of $100 and $200, for code S2900 in addition to the appropriate laparoscopic code.
So, what should you do to make sure you are paid for robotic assistance by payors who may possibly consider payment for this code?
- Establish a practice charge/fee for code S2900, comparable to the extra physician work associated with robotic assistance.
- Research and collect peer-reviewed articles describing the clinical, outcome, and cost benefits of robotic assistance, in the event you decide to appeal denials
- Document medical necessity for use of the robot in your operative note: enhanced accuracy, reduced postoperative pain, etc.
- Add this code and your charge to your claim forms, in addition to the laparoscopic code, whenever the robot is deployed.
- Track payment by primary CPT code, payor, and amount paid.
