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Guide to T1019 HCPCS Code for Personal Care Services

A two professional men and one women discuss about the personal care services professional use the code T1019.

T1019 is an HCPCS code commonly used for billing personal care services provided in a home setting. This code represents services that help individuals with daily activities, offering essential support for those who may be elderly, disabled, or recovering from illness. The code is designed to ensure accurate billing under programs like Medicare, which aligns with specific requirements and guidelines to support patients and healthcare providers.

What Does T1019 Cover?

T1019 covers non-skilled services aimed at assisting individuals with everyday tasks. These services are crucial in enhancing the quality of life for patients receiving care at home. Here’s what is included:

  • Assistance with daily activities: Tasks such as bathing, dressing, grooming, and feeding fall under this category.
  • Care providers: Services are performed by trained individuals like home health aides or licensed practical nurses (LPNs).
  • Flexible care: Personal care services under T1019 are not tied to clinical or skilled nursing services, making it ideal for patients with basic assistance needs.

These services are typically authorized based on medical necessity and must comply with payer-specific guidelines.

Requirements for T1019 Personal Care Services

Before services billed under T1019 can be reimbursed, specific requirements must be met. These include:

  • Prior Authorization: Approval must be obtained from a Claims Examiner before services begin.
  • Physician’s Documentation: A physician must provide a medical rationale supporting the need for personal care services.
  • Limitations on Use:
    • T1019 cannot be used for inpatients or residents of hospitals, nursing facilities, or other institutions.
    • It also cannot be billed for services provided by certified nurse assistants or home health aides operating under other codes.

Compliance with these requirements is critical for ensuring accurate and timely reimbursement

Common Modifiers for T1019

Modifiers play a key role in providing additional information about the medical services rendered. For T1019, these include:

  • T1019-TT: Indicates a 1:2 ratio of personal care assistants to patients.
  • T1019-HQ: Specifies a 1:3 ratio of personal care assistants to patients.
  • T1019-U6: Represents a temporary 45-day increase in personal care assistant services.
  • T1019-UA: Used when a qualified professional supervises the services of a personal care assistant.

These modifiers help in coding scenarios with different patient-to-caregiver ratios or unique circumstances, ensuring clarity in billing.

Similar Home Health Care Billing Codes

Understanding related CPT and HCPCS codes is important for effective billing. Here are some commonly used codes:

  • S9122 CPT Code: This code represents home health aide services per hour.
  • S9123 CPT Code: Used for nursing care services provided by a licensed nurse (LPN or RN) per hour.
  • T1020 CPT Code: Covers personal care services provided in a long-term care facility setting.

These codes are distinct but may overlap in function with T1019, depending on the service provided and the care setting.

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Is T1019 Covered by Medicare?

Yes, T1019 is often covered by Medicare and other health insurance providers when the services meet specific requirements. Coverage depends on:

  • A physician’s documentation of medical necessity.
  • Compliance with prior authorization requirements.
  • Adherence to the limitations set for personal care services under T1019.

Patients should consult with their healthcare provider and insurance plan to ensure the service is covered and billed correctly.

Why Accurate Billing Matters

Proper use of home health care billing codes like T1019 ensures accurate reimbursement and minimizes claim denials. Misusing modifiers or failing to meet documentation requirements can lead to billing errors, delays, or non-payment. By following guidelines and leveraging related codes like S9122, S9123, and T1020, providers can streamline the billing process and ensure compliance with payer rules.

Final Thoughts

The T1019 HCPCS code plays an essential role in medical billing for personal care services provided at home. With its focus on non-skilled support, it ensures patients receive the assistance they need while enabling healthcare providers to bill efficiently. By understanding T1019’s coverage, requirements, and associated modifiers, medical billers and providers can navigate the complexities of home health care billing successfully.

For more information on related topics or coding updates, explore other billing resources to stay compliant with Medicare and insurance guidelines.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

T1019 is the HCPCS code for Personal Care Services, per 15 minutes. This code is often used when a caregiver usually a home health aide or personal care attendant helps someone with daily activities like bathing, dressing, toileting, grooming, or meal prep.

When my father started needing help after a stroke, we began seeing T1019 on his Medicaid billing summaries. It made me realize: this code isn’t just paperwork it represents real, hands-on support that helped him stay safe at home.

This code is generally used for individuals who:

  • Have functional impairments, such as mobility limitations or cognitive decline
  • Are eligible for Medicaid home and community-based services (HCBS)
  • Require assistance with Activities of Daily Living (ADLs)

When my mom applied for Medicaid waivers for my grandma, T1019 was part of the care plan documentation. It covered daily help from an aide who became like family to us.

T1019 is billed in 15-minute units, so 4 units = 1 hour of care. Coverage depends on the state program and the individual’s care assessment.

For example, my uncle was approved for 4 hours/day, 5 days a week, which equals 80 T1019 units per week. Each person’s case is reviewed for medical necessity and safety in their home environment.

Not at all. It includes:

  • Bathing, toileting, grooming
  • Dressing and personal hygiene
  • Meal prep and feeding
  • Mobility and transfers (like from bed to wheelchair)
  • Light housekeeping tasks related to the individual’s care

When I was a caregiver for my neighbor through a state-funded program, T1019 also included things like helping her get to the bathroom at night or reheating dinner small things that meant everything to her dignity.

T1019 is a Medicaid-specific code. Medicare typically does not cover non-medical personal care unless it’s part of a short-term home health episode after hospitalization.

If you or a loved one is on Medicaid or has a waiver, T1019 may be covered. Every state has slightly different rules, so it’s worth checking with your caseworker or managed care plan.

In many states, yes. Programs like CDPAP (Consumer Directed Personal Assistance Program) or similar waiver options allow family members even adult children or spouses in some cases to be paid caregivers.

When I signed up as a caregiver for my dad through New York’s CDPAP program, T1019 was the code they used to pay me for the hours I was already spending helping him.

  • Track time in 15-minute increments
  • Ensure aides document tasks performed each visit
  • Comply with Electronic Visit Verification (EVV) in states where it’s required
  • Confirm services align with the plan of care or waiver assessment

When I worked for a small home care agency, accurate T1019 documentation meant we could keep services going for our clients. We trained aides to log tasks clearly—because billing integrity meant continued care.

First, don’t panic you have rights and options:

  • Request a copy of the assessment used to make the decision
  • File an appeal through Medicaid or your managed care organization
  • Ask your care manager or social worker to help advocate
  • Include doctor’s notes or personal statements showing why the care is needed

We appealed with her doctor’s support and got her full hours reinstated. Persistence and documentation matter. 

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