Wiki Consult or Initial

[tcoder5]

Pt was admitted by hospitalist. Pt has cancer & the pts oncologist is asked to do a consult in the hospital. Would it be billed as an Initial or Consult?

This pt is an established pt who has fever and neutropenia This is a known complication.

Non-Medicare pt

Any help is appreciated.

 

[gailmc]

Based on the information above, I would code a consult providing the 3R's are met. It feels like the hospitalist is truly asking for advice or opinion and not asking the oncologist to take over the care.