What defines an "Add-on" code in medical billing?

An "Add-on" code in medical billing is defined as a service that is always performed in addition to the primary procedure. This distinction is crucial because add-on codes are specifically used to indicate services that augment or enhance the main procedure being billed. The use of add-on codes allows for more accurate billing and ensures that healthcare providers are compensated for the additional services they provide during a patient’s treatment.

This clarity in billing is essential, as it helps to prevent misunderstandings or disputes related to billing for services that might not be directly included in the main procedure. Add-on codes are used in situations where certain procedures are inherently linked to a primary service, thereby making it clear that they should not be billed as standalone services.

In contrast, options that suggest an add-on code may sometimes be performed with the primary procedure or only documented in special cases do not accurately reflect the definitive nature of add-on codes. Similarly, describing an add-on code as the main procedure being billed overlooks its purpose, which is to supplement rather than replace the primary code.