Wiki NP vs Established

[rachell1976]

My ENT physician assisted a general surgeon for a thyroidectomy a few months ago. She never saw the patient in clinic, never did an E/M or assessment. Only assist (which of course we did bill out)

Now the patient is coming to see the ENT for chronic cough and vocal cord paralysis.

Can we bill this as a New Patient? or since the MD assisted in a surgery and billed out a charge for this patient is she considered established?

I am thinking she is established, but wanted confirmation before I let the MD know.

 

[cmcgarry]

Since it was a "face-to-face" encounter (even though patient was probably already under anesthesia), it will be an established patient, per CPT guidelines.

Hope this helps,

 

[Jagadish]

This visit should be billed as Established patient visit.