Wiki New vs established patient

[melanie.badyellowhair@ihs.gov]

Our hospital just got a podiatry clinic recently. My questions is when patients see the podiatrist and the patient came here before for an outpatient visit, is this a new or established patient?

 

[Cyndi113]

If the podiatrist has not seen the patient in the last 3 years, the patient is considered new. Just because the patient has been seen at the hospital as IP or OP doesn't mean anything.

 

[CaraMia]

Need some help with coding

I would like some help.
Need current correct coding for an “inguinal hernia repair with mesh” procedure -
(CPT codes/ HCPCS codes).
It appears there was an S code, but that was deleted in 2008.
We have providers that want to use NOC codes to reflect the entire service.
What are the correct codes to use?