We have a debate going on in our department and I would like some opinions from other coders. The debate is:
For new patient office visits, the CPT book defines “professional services” as those face-to-face services rendered by a physician and reported by a specific CPT code”. If a Radiologist performs a face-to-face service, but does not report it, shouldn't that still allow the group to report the patient as a new patient next time a face-to-face service is performed?
I posted this in the Audit forum and one person replied stating it was irrevelant whether the first E/M was billed. I would love some more opinions regarding this subject. Thanks!!
For new patient office visits, the CPT book defines “professional services” as those face-to-face services rendered by a physician and reported by a specific CPT code”. If a Radiologist performs a face-to-face service, but does not report it, shouldn't that still allow the group to report the patient as a new patient next time a face-to-face service is performed?
I posted this in the Audit forum and one person replied stating it was irrevelant whether the first E/M was billed. I would love some more opinions regarding this subject. Thanks!!