FAQ
Is it required by Medicare and Medicaid to have a referring physician in order to be able to bill for a new patient evaluation? If so, what should one do if the patient self refers himself/herself to you because of reputation/friend etc.?
Response: The CMS definition for a new patient states that, “such a patient would be regarded as a new patient, a patient who has not received any professional services from the physician or another physician of the same specialty who belongs to the same group practice within the last three years.” Therefore, any patient presenting him/herself to you would be regarded as a new patient. Effective January 1, 2010, CMS has eliminated payment for the office or other outpatient consultation codes 99241- 99245. The office and other outpatient visit codes for new patients (99201- 99205) are still recognized for reimbursement by CMS and may be used to report any new patient being seen in your practice. As a result of these changes, there is no distinction between a patient who is referred by a physician or one who is self referred; for Medicare they are both considered a new patient. The E/M codes that can be used are CPT codes 99201 – 99205.
CPT code 99201: Office or other outpatient visit for the evaluation and management of a new patient, which requires these 3 key components: A problem focused history; A problem focused examination; Straightforward medical decision making. Counseling and/or coordination of care with other providers or agencies are provided consistent with the nature of the problem(s) and the patient’s and/or family’s needs. Usually, the presenting problem(s) are self limited or minor. Physicians typically spend 10 minutes face-to-face with the patient and/or family.
CPT code 99202: Office or other outpatient visit for the evaluation and management of a new patient, which requires these 3 key components: An expanded problem focused history; An expanded problem focused examination; Straightforward medical decision making. Counseling and/or coordination of care with other providers or agencies are provided consistent with the nature of the problem(s) and the patient’s and/or family’s needs. Usually, the presenting problem(s) are of low to moderate severity. Physicians typically spend 20 minutes face-to-face with the patient and/or family.
CPT code 99203: Office or other outpatient visit for the evaluation and management of a new patient, which requires these 3 key components: A detailed history; A detailed examination; Medical decision making of low complexity. Counseling and/or coordination of care with other providers or agencies are provided consistent with the nature of the problem(s) and the patient’s and/or family’s needs. Usually, the presenting problem(s) are of moderate severity. Physicians typically spend 30 minutes face-to-face with the patient and/or family.
CPT code 99204: Office or other outpatient visit for the evaluation and management of a new patient, which requires these 3 key components: A comprehensive history; A comprehensive examination; Medical decision making of moderate complexity. Counseling and/or coordination of care with other providers or agencies are provided consistent with the nature of the problem(s) and the patient’s and/or family’s needs. Usually, the presenting problem(s) are of moderate to high severity. Physicians typically spend 45 minutes face-to-face with the patient and/or family.
CPT code 99205: Office or other outpatient visit for the evaluation and management of a new patient, which requires these 3 key components: A comprehensive history; A comprehensive examination; Medical decision making of high complexity. Counseling and/or coordination of care with other providers or agencies are provided consistent with the nature of the problem(s) and the patient’s and/or family’s needs. Usually, the presenting problem(s) are of moderate to high severity. Physicians typically spend 60 minutes face-to-face with the patient and/or family.
CPT code 99241: Office consultation for a new or established patient, which requires these 3 components: a problem focused history, a problem focused examination, and straightforward medical decision making.
CPT code 99242: Office consultation for a new or established patient, which requires these 3 components: an expanded problem focused history, an expanded problem focused examination, and straightforward medical decision making.
CPT code 99243: Office consultation for a new or established patient, which requires these 3 components: a detailed history, a detailed examination, and medical decision making of low complexity.
CPT code 99244: Office consultation for a new or established patient, which requires these 3 components: a comprehensive history, a comprehensive examination, and medical decision making of moderate complexity.
CPT code 99245: Office consultation for a new or established patient, which requires these 3 components: a comprehensive history, a comprehensive examination, and medical decision making of high complexity.
