Question 1

Which respiratory patients qualify for APCM?

Accepted Answer

Patients with two or more chronic conditions expected to last at least 12 months, such as COPD, asthma, or interstitial lung disease, are eligible. APCM focuses on patients who require frequent monitoring to prevent exacerbations and hospitalizations.

Question 2

How does AI assist in the APCM enrollment process?

Accepted Answer

Tile's AI automates the initial outreach to eligible patients, explaining the benefits of the program and capturing digital or verbal consent, which is then logged directly into your EMR to satisfy CMS requirements for enrollment documentation.

Question 3

Can sleep apnea patients be enrolled in APCM?

Accepted Answer

Yes, if sleep apnea is one of multiple chronic conditions, such as comorbid hypertension or COPD. These patients benefit from APCM through regular CPAP compliance checks and mask fitment support handled by our AI system.

Question 4

What documentation is required for the initial APCM consent?

Accepted Answer

CMS requires a one-time documented consent. AI-driven calls facilitate this by reading required disclosures and recording the patient's agreement, ensuring your practice has a verifiable audit trail without manual administrative work.

Question 5

What are the primary CPT codes used for pulmonary APCM?

Accepted Answer

While APCM is a newer model, many practices utilize CCM codes like 99490 or 99487 for complex respiratory cases. Our system helps identify the most appropriate codes based on the actual time spent on non-face-to-face care coordination.

Question 6

How do we track the 20 minutes of monthly clinical time?

Accepted Answer

The AI platform automatically logs every second spent on patient calls, medication reminders, and coordination tasks. This granular data is aggregated into monthly reports to ensure you meet the 20-minute threshold for billing.

Question 7

Does APCM billing overlap with Pulmonary Rehabilitation codes?

Accepted Answer

Generally, yes. APCM covers the ongoing management between sessions, while Pulmonary Rehab codes cover supervised exercise. AI ensures patients attend their rehab sessions to maximize outcomes and justify the management billing.

Question 8

How does Tile's AI help capture billable minutes?

Accepted Answer

Tile's AI records and timestamps all automated clinical interactions. By handling routine check-ins and symptom screening, the AI contributes to the total care coordination time, allowing staff to focus on high-acuity interventions while still capturing revenue.

Question 9

How does APCM help reduce COPD hospital readmissions?

Accepted Answer

By providing 24/7 access to symptom screening, the AI can detect early signs of exacerbation, such as increased dyspnea, and immediately escalate to a clinician. This proactive approach is a cornerstone of the CMS readmission reduction program.

Question 10

Can the AI handle inhaler technique check-ins?

Accepted Answer

Yes. The AI can conduct scheduled follow-ups to ask patients about their inhaler usage and remind them of proper technique, which is a critical component of the APCM care plan for both asthma and COPD patients.

Question 11

How are seasonal exacerbation spikes managed via automation?

Accepted Answer

During flu or allergy seasons, call volumes surge. Our AI handles the overflow of routine status checks and refill requests, ensuring that your clinical staff isn't overwhelmed by predictable seasonal spikes while maintaining patient safety.

Question 12

What role does the AI play in updating Asthma Action Plans?

Accepted Answer

The AI prompts patients to review their action plans during routine calls. If a patient reports a change in symptoms, the AI alerts the provider to update the plan, ensuring continuous compliance with GOLD and GINA guidelines.

Question 13

How does the system ensure HIPAA compliance for respiratory data?

Accepted Answer

Tile uses enterprise-grade encryption and strict access controls to ensure all respiratory patient data and call recordings are handled in full compliance with HIPAA and HITECH regulations, protecting sensitive health information.

Question 14

What is the role of APCM in meeting GOLD COPD guidelines?

Accepted Answer

APCM provides the framework for the continuous monitoring recommended by GOLD. AI-driven check-ins ensure patients are following maintenance therapy and receiving timely spirometry referrals, which the AI can help schedule.

Question 15

How does the AI document smoking cessation counseling?

Accepted Answer

The AI can deliver smoking cessation modules and track patient progress. Each interaction is documented as part of the APCM record, supporting the counseling requirements for pulmonary health improvement and billing.

Question 16

Can the platform integrate with our existing Pulmonology EMR?

Accepted Answer

Yes, the platform is designed to sync with major EMRs. It pushes interaction summaries, time logs, and updated patient statuses directly into the chart, reducing manual data entry for your billing and clinical teams.

Pulmonology APCM Billing & Enrollment FAQ Guide

APCM Eligibility and Enrollment

Billing and Reimbursement Logistics

COPD and Asthma Management Workflows

Compliance and Documentation

Ready to transform your pulmonology practice?