Fair Square Medicare Wordmark

What is the 8-Minute Rule on Medicare?

Saving money against a stopwatch stock image

By Daniel Petkevich

Dec 21, 2022

Avoid getting charged extra with this rule

At Fair Square Medicare, we want to ensure that you are getting a fair deal on your Medicare expenses. That extends from choosing the right policy for you and empowering you to advocate against unnecessary costs. Understanding the 8-minute rule is critical to ensure you aren't being over-billed. Let's dig into what the rule means for you.

Speak with a Medicare Advocate

Talk to one of our Licensed Medicare Agents today to find the right plans for you.

Overview of the 8-Minute Rule on Medicare

The 8-minute rule is a Medicare billing guideline that states that as long as a healthcare provider spends at least 8 minutes face-to-face with a patient during a visit, they can bill for a certain level of service. This rule applies to evaluation and management (E/M) services, which are a type of medical service that includes the assessment, diagnosis, and treatment of a patient's condition.

The 8-minute rule is based on the idea that a certain amount of time is required for a healthcare provider to perform a comprehensive evaluation and management service. However, the rule is somewhat controversial because it does not consider the complexity of the patient's condition or the amount of time required to treat it.

It is important to note that the 8-minute rule is not a hard and fast rule, and it is not the only factor that determines how much a healthcare provider can bill for E/M services. Other factors, such as the patient's condition and the level of treatment provided, also play a role in determining the appropriate level of billing.

How the 8-Minute Rule affects medical billing and reimbursement

The 8-minute rule has an important impact on medical billing and reimbursement. Healthcare providers must spend at least 8 minutes face-to-face with a patient in order to bill for the level of service they provide.

If a provider spends more than 8 minutes, then they can bill for a higher level of service. On the other hand, if the provider spends less than 8 minutes, then they can only bill for a lower level of service.

As a result, healthcare providers must carefully track their time in order to ensure that they are billing at the appropriate level and not overbilling for services.

What services are covered by the 8-Minute Rule?

The 8-minute rule applies to all evaluation and management (E/M) services. These services include assessing, diagnosing, and treating a patient's condition. This includes office visits for routine checkups, as well as visits for more complex treatments such as surgeries or other procedures.

How to determine if a service is subject to the 8-Minute Rule?

To determine if a service is subject to the 8-minute rule, look for signs of complexity or additional time required for assessment, diagnosis, or treatment.

For example, if a patient requires complex testing or an extensive physical examination, then the provider may need more than 8 minutes to adequately assess and treat the patient. In this case, the provider may be able to bill for a higher level of service than would otherwise be allowed with just 8 minutes.

Tips for patients on how to look out for the 8-Minute Rule

Patients should be aware of the 8-minute rule when seeking medical care. If a healthcare provider appears to be rushing through an appointment, or if they do not appear to be providing comprehensive care, this could be a sign that the provider is trying to bill for more than what was actually provided.

Additionally, patients should ask questions if they are unsure of the level of service they are receiving or how much time is being spent with them. This can help ensure that patients are receiving proper care and that healthcare providers are billing at the appropriate level.

Examples of situations in which the 8-minute rule does not apply

In some cases, the 8-minute rule may not apply to a particular service. For example, if a provider is offering an educational or counseling session with a patient, then this may not be subject to the 8-minute rule since it does not involve assessment and treatment of a medical condition.

Additionally, certain services such as end-of-life care, emergency treatment, or preventive care may also be exempt from the 8-minute rule. In these cases, the provider should refer to the relevant billing regulations in order to determine which level of service they should bill for.

Conclusion

The 8-minute rule is a Medicare regulation that states that healthcare providers must spend at least 8 minutes face-to-face with a patient in order to bill for the level of service they provide. Give us a call at Fair Square Medicare for all your Medicare-related questions. Our team of experts is ready.

Speak with a Medicare Advocate

Talk to one of our Licensed Medicare Agents today to find the right plans for you.

Recommended Articles

various people wearing masks due to the COVID-19 pandemic stock photo

How Does the End of the COVID-19 Public Health Emergency Affect Your Medicare?

Mar 3, 2023

hand holding up Invisalign stock photo

Does Medicare Cover Orthodontic Care?

Nov 18, 2022

Psoriasis on elbow stock photo

Does Medicare Cover Ilumya?

Dec 7, 2022

a variety of pills in a daily pill organizer stock image

Does Medicare Cover Vitamins?

Dec 5, 2022

Unrecognizable doctor holding highlighted handrawn Kidneys in hands. Medical illustration, template, science mockup. stock photo

Does Medicare Cover Nexavar?

Nov 30, 2022

A cartoon signpost with HMO and PPO pointing in opposite directions

What's the Difference Between HMO and PPO Plans?

Dec 1, 2022

Cover image

Can I Change My Primary Care Provider with an Advantage Plan?

Aug 25, 2023

Acute psoriasis on elbows is an autoimmune incurable dermatological skin disease stock photo

Does Medicare Cover Light Therapy for Psoriasis?

Jan 17, 2023

scleral lenses

Does Medicare Cover Scleral Lenses?

Dec 5, 2022

Cover image

What Is a Medicare Supplement SELECT Plan?

Apr 25, 2023

Cover image

The Easiest Call You'll Ever Make

Jun 28, 2023

Closeup of a male Doctor or physiotherapist doing stretching for a patient in the clinic for examining treating injured of back stock photo

Does Medicare Cover Chiropractic Visits?

Dec 22, 2022

Cover image

Fair Square Bulletin: We're Revolutionizing Medicare

Apr 27, 2023

Doctor physician consulting with male patient in hospital exam room stock photo

Does Medicare Cover Penile Implant Surgery?

Dec 9, 2022

Cover image

Seeing the Value in Fair Square

May 15, 2023

Philadelphia skyline at sunset stock image

13 Best Ways for Seniors to Stay Active in Philadelphia

Mar 7, 2023

Medicare 2025 What you need to know in the new year stock image

How is Medicare Changing in 2025?

Dec 21, 2022

Medigap plan letters on outstretched fingers stock image

How Do Medigap Premiums Vary?

Apr 12, 2023

More of our articles

10 Top Medicare Supplement (Medigap) Companies for 2025

13 Best Ways for Seniors to Stay Active in Columbus

13 Best Ways for Seniors to Stay Active in Indianapolis

13 Best Ways for Seniors to Stay Active in Jacksonville

15 Best Ways for Seniors to Stay Active in Denver

20 Questions to Ask Your Medicare Agent

2024 Fair Square Client Retention and Satisfaction Report

Are Medicare Advantage Plans Bad?

Building the Future of Senior Healthcare

Can Doctors Choose Not to Accept Medicare?

Can I Choose Marketplace Coverage Instead of Medicare?

Can I Laminate My Medicare Card?

Can I switch From Medicare Advantage to Medigap?

Do I Need to Renew My Medicare?

Does Medicare Cover Abortion Services?

Does Medicare Cover an FMT?

Does Medicare Cover Bladder Sling Surgery?

Does Medicare Cover Cartiva Implants?

Does Medicare Cover Cosmetic Surgery?

Does Medicare Cover ESRD Treatments?

Does Medicare Cover Flu Shots?

Does Medicare Cover Fosamax?

Does Medicare Cover Geri Chairs?

Does Medicare Cover Hearing Aids?

Does Medicare Cover Hepatitis C Treatment?

Does Medicare cover Hyoscyamine?

Does Medicare Cover Hypnotherapy?

Does Medicare Cover Ketamine Infusion for Depression?

Does Medicare Cover Kidney Stone Removal?

Does Medicare Cover Krystexxa?

Does Medicare Cover Kyphoplasty?

Does Medicare Cover Linx Surgery?

Does Medicare Cover Lipoma Removal?

Does Medicare Cover Medical Marijuana?

Does Medicare Cover Oxybutynin?

Does Medicare Cover Qutenza?

Does Medicare Cover RSV Vaccines?

Does Medicare Cover SI Joint Fusion?

Does Medicare Cover the Urolift Procedure?

Does Medicare Cover Urodynamic Testing?

Does Medicare Cover Wart Removal?

Does Medicare Cover Xiafaxan?

Does Medicare Pay for Bunion Surgery?

Does Your Medicare Plan Cover B12 Shots?

Does Your Plan Include A Free Gym Membership?

Explaining IRMAA on Medicare

Fair Square Client Newsletter: AEP Edition

Finding the Best Dental Plans for Seniors

Gap Health Insurance: The Secret Sidekick to Your High-Deductible Plan

How Do I Sign up for Medicare? A Simple How-To Guide For You

How Does Medicare Cover Colonoscopies?

How Much Does Medicare Part A Cost in 2025?

How Much Does Rexulti Cost with Medicare?

How Much Does Trelegy Cost with Medicare?

How to Apply for Medicare?

How to Enroll in Social Security

How Your Employer Insurance and Medicare Work Together

Is Emsella Covered by Medicare?

Is HIFU Covered by Medicare?

Last Day to Change Your Medicare Part D Plan

Medicare Advantage MSA Plans

Saving Money with Alternative Pharmacies & Discount Programs

Should You Work With A Remote Medicare Agent?

Top 10 Physical Therapy Clinics in San Diego

Turning 65 and Thinking of Keeping COBRA? Here’s Why It Usually Backfires

What If I Don't Like My Plan?

What is Plan J?

What People Don't Realize About Medicare

What To Do If Your Medicare Advantage Plan Is Discontinued

What to Do When Your Doctor Doesn't Take Medicare

Which Medigap Policies Provide Coverage for Long-Term Care?

Will Medicare Cover it?

Your Medicare One-Stop-Shop

Your guide to Medicare Parts A & B, Medicare Advantage, and Medigap. 100% free.

Get the Fair Square Bulletin

Medicare savings tips, helpful guides, and more.

About

Medicare 101

Current Clients

Medicare Supplement Plans

Medicare Advantage Plans

Fair Square 2025

Terms of Use
Notice of Privacy Practices

Virgil Insurance Agency, LLC (DBA Fair Square Medicare) and www.fairsquaremedicare.com are privately owned and operated by Help Button Inc. Medicare supplement insurance plans are not connected with or endorsed by the U.S. government or the federal Medicare program. This is a solicitation of insurance. A licensed agent/producer may contact you. Medicare Supplement insurance is available to those age 65 and older enrolled in Medicare Parts A and B and, in some states, to those under age 65 eligible for Medicare due to disability or End-Stage Renal disease. Virgil Insurance Agency is a licensed and certified representative of Medicare Advantage HMO, HMO SNP, PPO, PPO SNP and PFFS organizations and stand-alone PDP prescription drug plans. Each of the organizations we represent has a Medicare contract. Enrollment in any plan depends on contract renewal. The plans we represent do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, disability, or sex. Plan availability varies by region and state. For a complete list of available plans please contact 1-800-MEDICARE (TTY users should call 1-877-486-2048), 24 hours a day/7 days a week or consult www.medicare.gov. © 2025 Help Button Inc

We do not offer every plan available in your area. Any information we provide is limited to those plans we do offer in your area. Please contact Medicare.gov or 1-800-MEDICARE to get information on all of your options.

MULTIPLAN_FairSquareMedicare_01062022_M