Otolaryngology Coding Alert

Question: We have taken on a facial/plastics physician who is going to see only skin cancer patients sent over from a dermatologist's office down the hall. The facial/plastics physician will evaluate the patient and decide on a surgical method/treatment, even though we already know these patients have a skin cancer. Should we report this as a consult, or a new patient visit? Ohio Subscriber Answer: The answer depends on the intent of the dermatologist and the insurer. If your facial/plastics surgeon's opinion is being asked, the encounter is a consult (99241-99245, Office or Other Outpatient Consultations, New or Established Patient) for non-Medicare patients. If the patient is coming in for a full transfer of care or is a Medicare patient, the visit is a new patient visit (99201- 99205, Office or Other Outpatient Services, New Patient),or an established patient if this patient has been seen by your practice in the [...]