Neurology & Pain Management Coding Alert

3 questions let you code transfers flawlessly and retain payment. You may find this scenario familiar: You're in an office with three, four, or even six or more neurologists. Dr. Smith examines an established patient with a new complaint of gradual weakness over a period of the last few weeks, which Dr. Smith suspects may be toxic myopathy (359.4). Dr. Smith refers the patient to Dr. Jones in the same office, because Dr. Jones specializes in this disorder. How do you choose the best E/M code? The crux of the issue is, what service is Dr. Smith requesting of the second neurologist (Dr. Jones) with the patient's condition "subspecialty"? The key to coding this E/M service is the intention of Dr. Smith -- transfer of care, with Dr. Jones taking over care of the condition? Or is Dr. Smith only asking Dr. Jones to render his opinion? 1. Is This a [...]