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Orthopedic Coding Alert

Reader Question:

Report 99271 Series for Second Opinions

Published on Sat Feb 01, 2003

Question: One of my former patients, whom I haven't seen in more than a year, came to my office for a second opinion regarding another orthopedist's recommendation for total knee replacement (27447). Should I report an established patient visit or a confirmatory consultation? Kansas Subscriber Answer: The Confirmatory Consultations section of CPT (99271-99275) references "New or Established" patients, so you can still report this code series despite the fact that you examined an established patient. Remember, however, that CPT includes "opinion or advice only" in the confirmatory consultation codes. If you provided any E/M services in addition to your opinion, report the appropriate established patient E/M code (99211-99215).  
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