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Are You Available After Hours?

Date: 10/10/17

Access to primary care is a key factor in improving the health of your patients. Many studies, including this one from the U.S. National Library of Medicine-National Institutes of Health, have shown that expanded office hours and the availability of after-hours appointments contribute to reduced Emergency Department (ED) utilization among patients. Recognizing the importance of supporting your efforts to be available to your patients – our members – when they need you, we established increased rates for after-hours care!

What is after-hours care?

After-hours care is defined as services provided in your office at times other than regularly scheduled office hours, or days when the office is normally closed such as holidays and weekends. It also refers to services provided in your office during regularly scheduled evening, weekend or holiday office hours, in addition to basic service.

What are the benefits of offering after-hours care?

Increasing access to care for your patients can help to reduce unnecessary ED visits and expand care for working families. It also encourages your patients to come to your office for primary care.

What are the increased rates for after-hours care?

Louisiana Healthcare Connections pays $25 for certain CPT codes. Primary Care Providers (PCPs) who offer after-hours availability can use the following codes to receive these increased rates:

  • 99050: Services provided in the office at times other than regularly scheduled office hours, or days when the office is normally closed (e.g., holidays, Saturdays, Sundays), in addition to basic service
  • 99051: Services provided in the office during regularly scheduled evening, weekend, or holiday office hours, in addition to basic service

Want to learn more?

If you’re interested in expanding your office hours and want more information about our increased rates, contact your dedicated Provider Consultant or call our Provider Services team at 1-866-595-8133. Be sure to also check out our appointment accessibility standards in our Provider Manual.