jifnif
Expert
I have a question and it is somewhat related to a question I posted under this section. I know with consults you are to code an initial hospital visit (when in the hospital) and if the pt does not meet all criteria you move to a subsequent. Here is my confusion: Lets just say I have a pt that is a consult and I find the note to be Detailed History, Detailed Examination and Moderate MDM and I believe this would get a 99221. Correct? I have someone else saying that you would move it to a subsequent level visit b/c all three have to be exact. For example a Detailed history, Detailed exam and SF/L MDM. I am under the impression that you choose the code furthest to the left and if you fall short of any of those on the left you then would move to a subsequent visit code. This is where I question a new pt visit and I have a PF history, a Detailed exam and moderate MDM I would choose a 99201 but have been told that this is incorrect and you should choose an established visit that fits. Where do I find the documentation for the correct way? I have paged through 1997 and 1995 guidelines and haven't pinpointed it. Thanks!