Author Topic: Consult vs New Patient  (Read 2685 times)

Debbie G

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Consult vs New Patient
« on: April 05, 2013, 11:58:18 AM »
Would appreciate ya'lls opinion on this scenario:
PCP refers patient to Nephrologist for elevated BUN.  Nephrologist visits and exams patient and orders more labs and renal ultrasound.  Patient is to return in 2 weeks to discuss test results and plan.  This is a patient with commercial insurance.

Question--would you consider the initial visit a consult or new patient visit?  Nephrologist does not know until all test results are back if he will need to continue to see this patient.

DMK

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Re: Consult vs New Patient
« Reply #1 on: April 05, 2013, 01:22:14 PM »
If the patient was examined, and it meets e/m code guidelines, it's a new patient.  It's most likely a 99214 due to complexity.

A consult would be discussion only. 

Medical Billing Forum

Re: Consult vs New Patient
« Reply #1 on: April 05, 2013, 01:22:14 PM »