Wiki New Patient Visit w/Referral to General Surgeon

[AmyLitterell]

When auditing a new patient visit the physician referred the patient to a General Surgeon for a Hernia repair. No labs or xrays were done, Just the exam & referral. Does doing the referral warrant counting it as a new patient visit w/additional workup? Or would this be considered a New patient visit w/no additional workup?

Thanks for your help! Amy

 

[gailmc]

We count that as New patient with additional workup because the provider is requesting additional workup in order to treat the patient.

 

[AuntJoyce]

New Patient Visit...

Hi Amy,

Your scenario is for a new patient visit with no additional work-up. If your doc were ordering further testing/studies to make a firm diagnosis, then additional work-up would be the route but he has essentially nailed the diagnosis and is just referring the patient for definitive treatment.

Hope this helps

Joyce