Wiki Transfer of care versus consult (joint cases)

[coder25]

Hello,

I always seem to get stumped with this one and could use some help.

If we are asked to see another surgeon's patient for a joint case, is this a consult or transfer of care? For instance, an ENT surgeon will be performing mandibular reconstruction and asked us to come in to insert a PEG.

I feel this is a transfer of care as the ENT surgeon already knows the problem and what needs to be done, however, my manager and surgeon feel differently that it should be a consult.

Opinions????

Thanks for the help.

 

[Belinda Frisch]

Consult v. Transfer of Care Tool

I have this posted on my wall at work and have found it to be a great visual aid for others. Maybe it will help?

http://www.auanet.org/content/practice-resources/reimbursement/forms/consultflowchart.pdf

 

[coder25]

Thanks for the info. It is much appreciated.

 

[LLovett]

I have to disagree with the chart linked above.

If you have no request you have no consult, end of story.

Coder25,

You are dealing with transfers of care. You are correct, they are not asking for your doctors to help them treat a problem, they are asking for you providers to deal with a problem out of their field of practice.

You should probably look up consults on the OIG website and present that info to those in your office that disagree. There are a few posts regarding the 2010 proposed rule that should be helpful as well.

Good luck,

Laura, CPC, CEMC

 

[cheermom68]

reply

I agree, also just because a physician does not document that they are assuming care this should not put it back on the consult track.