Advanced Search

Orthopedic Coding Alert

Reader Questions:

Apply Phone Call to E/M

Published on Tue Sep 09, 2003

Question: A primary-care physician (PCP) called our orthopedist for consulting services regarding an inpatient. He spoke with the PCP and spent a lot of time researching a particular diagnosis and possible treatments but did not actually see the patient until the next day. How should we report the orthopedist's work?

New York Subscriber Answer: The most widely recommended option for coding your scenario is to tack the time spent on the phone with the PCP to the patient's next E/M visit. Phone consultations, especially with other physicians, can boost the level of medical decision-making for that next visit. If you choose to apply the time to the medical decision-making, be sure your orthopedist properly documents the phone conversation in the office note of the next visit.
You’ve reached your limit of free articles. Already a subscriber? Log in.
Not a subscriber? Subscribe today to continue reading this article. Plus, you’ll get:
  • Simple explanations of current healthcare regulations and payer programs
  • Real-world reporting scenarios solved by our expert coders
  • Industry news, such as MAC and RAC activities, the OIG Work Plan, and CERT reports
  • Instant access to every article ever published in your eNewsletter
  • 6 annual AAPC-approved CEUs*
  • The latest updates for CPT®, ICD-10-CM, HCPCS Level II, NCCI edits, modifiers, compliance, technology, practice management, and more
*CEUs available with select eNewsletters.

Other Articles in this issue of

Orthopedic Coding Alert

View All