Wiki New problem vs established problem

[sstep]

Hi
If you have a patient that you have not seen in 10 years, that is considered a new patient. If your provider is seeing the patient for the same problem, would that be considered a new problem or an established problem? I am trying to find some information in the CMS guidelines. Any help would be appreciated!

Thank you
Sue

 

[FTessaBartels]

New Patient = New Problem

If it's a new patient then it's a new problem.
By that I mean that the work-up required would be more extensive than for a follow-up visit of an established problem.

Hope that helps,

F Tessa Bartels, CPC, CEMC