What is necessary for a physician to participate in incident to billing?

For a physician to participate in incident to billing, it is essential that the physician is physically present in the same location as the nurse providing the service. This requirement ensures that the services rendered by the nurse are considered a continuation of the care that the physician initiated. When the physician is in the building, it allows for immediate collaboration and oversight, affirming that the care provided aligns with the physician's treatment plan for the patient.

This requirement establishes a face-to-face connection that supports the billing process, as incident to billing is meant to encompass services that are effectively part of the physician’s ongoing management of a patient's condition. Therefore, being in the same building enables the physician to supervise the service, which aligns with regulations set forth for billing in outpatient settings.

The other options do not provide the necessary oversight stipulated by incident to billing guidelines. For instance, simply being available via phone does not meet the same criteria as physical presence, as that could lead to questions regarding the direct oversight of the care.