Wiki Consult for Pre-op/New Dx Discovered

[CrysLednum]

Good morning -

I have a patient referred from a GI doctor for pre-op for a colonoscopy. The CC was for clearance. I understand that because the procedure has "0" days, the pre-op is included in the E/M. However, during the exam a new condition (long QT syndrome) was diagnosed. Because of this could it now be charged a consult code?
Thanks!

 

[mdoyle53]

A patient referred for a pre-op clearance is a consult - providing the insurance pays for consults - otherwise a new or established patient. You are not performing the colonoscopy and hence you can bill for your work as a consult.

If a new problem is discovered, it becomes part of the consult.

 

[CrysLednum]

Thanks!