Wiki New/established

[tfischer]

A patient was seen in the office by a cardiologist, one year ago, but that particular cardiologist is no longer with the practice. The patient comes back to the office a year later, and sees the other cardiologist. Since the physicians are the same specialty and the patient has been seen in the office within the last year, the most recent visit should be coded as an established visit. My question is, it qualifies as an established visit, but since the cardiologist that first seen the patient is no longer with the practice, do we code it as a new patient?

Thanks!

 

[Colliemom]

I would say no, I would code it as an established patient visit. The patient was seen by a physician, in the practice a year ago...so even though the physician is now gone, the rule that a patient is established if seen by anyone in the practice within 3 years would still apply.

 

[Walker22]

I agree.. this is an established patient.

 

[tfischer]

That is what my gut was telling me, but I wanted other opinions. Thank you!