• If this is your first visit, be sure to check out the FAQ & read the forum rules. To view all forums, post or create a new thread, you must be an AAPC Member. If you are a member and have already registered for member area and forum access, you can log in by clicking here. If you've forgotten the password it can be reset on our sign in section by entering your registered Email Address or Username here. To start viewing messages, select the forum that you want to visit from the selection below..

Wiki Preop visit

Create Wiki
C

corikr77

Contributor
Messages
24
Location
Terrebonne, OR
Best answers
0
Can someone help me figure out what CPT code to use for a preop clearance visit on an established patient ordered by a surgeon not affiliated with our clinic?

Thanks,
 
I always used V72.84, whether it be for a new or established patient, CPT code people used to be able to use was 99244, however I've been told that's a bad code to use. I now use a 99215 for the office visit, then I use whatever the code is for the surgery, for instance 366.9 would be for cataracts, then I would use the V72.84 for the pre op examination. Let me know if you need more clarification :)
 
preop is either an office level that matches the level of service documented and that might not be a level 5. OR it is the CPT code for the surgery with the 56 modifier for preop. it is not a consult.
 
To me, pre-op exams usually meet the criteria for a consult. You have the three R's (request, rendereing of service, and report). You are getting the request from the surgeon. You are rendering the exam/testing, etc., and then you are sending a written report of your findings back to the surgeon. This meets the criteria for a consult. If the three R's are not met, then I agree you would report a problem-oriented E/M code (99201-99215) instead.

Medicare does not accept the consult codes anymore, so for pre-op exams on Medicare patients, you have to report a problem-oriented E/M code (99201-99215).

This represents my opinion of how we do these types of encounters at my sites.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Top