Wiki Is face to face required for Subsequent Inpatient?

[nfayville]

I have a provider who noted that when he went to the patient room the patient had been taken to radiology for CT scan. He noted he discussed patient with nursing and then based on labs/previous imaging he adjusted patient medication.
There is no physical exam but there is medically relevant hx and MDM taking place. Is this a billable service or is face to face required?
This is a hot debate in my office.

 

[cgaston]

It states under the Evaluation and Management section of the CPT "professional services are those face-to-face services rendered by physicians and other qualified health care professionals who may report evaluation and management services". The provider needs to have a face to face encounter with the patient in order to bill 99231-99233