Summary & Overview
HCPCS S9900: Christian Science Practitioner Healing Services, Per Diem
HCPCS Level II code S9900 designates per diem services delivered by a journal-listed Christian Science practitioner for the purpose of healing. This code captures spiritual or religious healing services that are distinct from conventional medical interventions and are billed per day. Nationally, classification of such services matters for benefit design, coverage policy, and the interface between religious healing and medical billing.
Key payers included in this analysis are Aetna, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Cigna Health, UnitedHealthcare, and Medicare. Readers will find a clear description of the code’s clinical context and service setting, an overview of which payers commonly encounter or classify this code, and what typical billing scenarios involve per diem spiritual healing services. The publication also provides benchmarks and policy context where available, outlines common modifiers and billing considerations separately, and highlights areas where payer policy language or coverage guidance can affect claim adjudication.
This summary is intended for national audiences including coding professionals, payers, and compliance staff who need a concise reference on the purpose and billing context of S9900 without state-specific guidance.
Billing Code Overview
HCPCS Level II code S9900 represents services by a journal-listed Christian Science practitioner for the purpose of healing, billed per diem. The service type is spiritual/religious healing services provided by a recognized Christian Science practitioner. The typical site of service is non-clinical or community-based settings where the practitioner provides healing support, billed on a per diem basis.
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Clinical & Coding Specifications
Clinical Context
A 65-year-old patient with a chronic terminal diagnosis elects complementary spiritual care as part of hospice services. The patient requests daily sessions with a journal-listed Christian Science practitioner for the purpose of spiritual healing and comfort. The practitioner visits the patient at the hospice residence or nursing facility once per day and documents time, interventions (prayer, spiritual counseling, presence), and the patient’s response. Billing uses S9900 reported on a per diem basis for each day the practitioner provides services. Clinical workflow includes verification of practitioner journal-listing, coordination with hospice interdisciplinary team, documentation of encounter in the medical record, and submission of S9900 with appropriate modifiers if an unusual circumstance applies (for example extended work or modifier indicating service furnished in conjunction with other providers). Typical site of service is hospice inpatient unit, skilled nursing facility, or patient residence where hospice care is provided. Payers involved include Aetna, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Cigna Health, UnitedHealthcare, BUCA, and Medicare for hospice-covered spiritual care where allowed by policy.
Coding Specifications
| Modifier | Description | When to Use |
|---|---|---|
22 | Increased procedural services |