Update on Billing for Telephone Calls to and from Patients   Telephone calls continue to be included as "bundled" into the pre and post definitive service(s) provided by physicians to patients. Empire Blue Cross Blue Shield, Aetna, and Oxford health insurances, as well as Medicare and Medicaid, consider telephone calls to be included into other healthcare services provided to patients. Obtaining Advanced Beneficiary Notices (ABN) or waivers of liability from patients do not allow for separate billing of telephone calls even if signed by patients or family members. Return to Contents | Return to Billing Compliance