READER QUESTIONS:
Use 99241-99245 When Pre-Op Meets 3 Criteria
Published on Tue Sep 11, 2007
Question: What is the CPT code for a pre-op exam?
New Jersey Subscriber
Answer: No CPT code exists specifically for a preoperative examination. FPs typically perform preoperative exams for surgical clearance requested by a surgeon--a scenario that typically falls under a consultation (99241-99245, Office consultation for a new or established patient -).
But if the encounter does not qualify as a consultation, you should instead report an office visit (99201-99215, Office or other outpatient visit -).
Use a consultation code when:
- another professional requests the consult
- the FP renders her opinion and
- she sends a report to the requesting source. Documentation in the chart should clearly support these consultation requirements. For instance, if a dentist requests your FP's opinion on a patient's ability to withstand anesthesia, assign 99241-99245 with ICD-9 codes that indicate any underlying condition, the type of preoperative exam (V72.81-V72.84), and the reason for the surgery.
