Wiki Outpatient visit coding without patient present

[nrezac]

Hello.
Does anyone have any information on what the appropriate CPT code is for a visit without the patient? The parent spoke with the provider to provide background information that would be difficult for the patient to go through again and it is planned that the child is present for the next visit. Can this be billed or can it be combined into the next visit or ? The next visit is next week.
Thank you!

Edited to add - this is for a mental health visit

 

[SharonCollachi]

Generally (unless it's mental health), it would be better if the parent was seen the same day as the child, first alone, then with the child. Then you can combine everything into one visit quite easily. I would say to combine it, but I've never worked for anyone who didn't take my advice (I used to be in primary care) and so have never done it any other way than on the same day.