AUG 14, 2020
Testing Determination from Phone Conversation with Patient
Question: We had a new patient speak with our physician prior to being seen. This was not a telemedicine exam. No claim was submitted. The physician determined that a visual field is needed. Would this test be considered a standing order as this is a new patient?
Answer: Document the physician’s conversation with the patient. With the physician’s documented order that includes the name of test; which eye(s) should undergo testing performed on the same day as the exam for the new patient. If the test is performed on a separate day prior to the exam, the exam can be billed as a new patient as there has not been a face-to-face or virtual exam between the patient and the physician.
Learn more about exam billing in Learn to Code the Essentials.