Wiki LPN-CPC Coding Coordinator - Internal Medicine physician

[shultsm]

In a multi -specialty clinic the Internal Medicine physician refers a patient to the endocrinologist because the patient is a newly diagnosed diabetic. The endocrinologist because of her specialty will be taking care of the patient's diabetes. Is it appropriate for the Endocrinologist to charge a consult (non medicare patient) for the initial visit when the referral is made? She does respond back to the referring physician.

 

[shelleybrock]

The requesting provider must be seeking the advice, opinion, recommendation, etc. from the consultant in evaluating or treating a patient's condition because the consultant has expertise in an area beyond the requesting professional's knowledge.

It sounds like the IM doctor is referring care to the specialist, not looking for advice so he can treat the patient.

 

[shultsm]

The requesting provider must be seeking the advice, opinion, recommendation, etc. from the consultant in evaluating or treating a patient's condition because the consultant has expertise in an area beyond the requesting professional's knowledge.

It sounds like the IM doctor is referring care to the specialist, not looking for advice so he can treat the patient.

Thanks Shelley...that is correct. The IM is referring them for the endocrinologist to ake over the care of the diabetes and not to render an opinion.