CPT Code 99050: After-Hours Services

A physician can bill CPT code 99050 for seeing a patient on a Saturday only if the service is provided during times when the office is usually closed, meaning Saturday is not part of the practice’s regularly scheduled office hours. If Saturday is a regular office day, 99050 does not apply; instead, 99051 should be used for services provided during regularly scheduled weekend hours.

CPT 99050 is an add-on code used when a provider delivers services in the office at times outside of regularly scheduled office hours, or on days when the office is typically closed (such as holidays, Saturdays, or Sundays).

It must be billed in addition to a basic E/M or other qualifying service code, and cannot be used for appointments that occur during posted office hours, even if the visit runs late. Documentation of office hours and the timing of the service is essential, and some payers may have specific requirements or limitations for reimbursement.

Medicare does not separately reimburse CPT code 99050, as it considers payment for after-hours services to be bundled into the reimbursement for other services provided on the same day. Some commercial payers and Medicaid plans may cover 99050, but coverage is not guaranteed and varies by insurer and contract. Always check payer-specific policies before billing.