The attending physician requests a consultation from a cardiologist. The cardiologist takes a detailed history, performs a detailed examination, and utilizes moderate medical decision making. The cardiologist orders diagnostic tests and prescribe medication. He documents his findings in the patient's medical record and communicates in writing with the attending physician. The following day the consultant visits the patient to evaluate the patient' sresponse to the medication, to review results from the diagnostic test, and to discuss treatment options. What codes should the consultant report for the two visits?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The first visit should be reported as an initial inpatient consultation, and the second visit should be reported as a subsequent hospital visit. A follow-up consult is not a code option in the inpatient setting, and reporting both visits as an initial inpatient consult or an initial inpatient consult and initial hospital care would be incorrect, as there was no transfer of care to the consultant for ongoing management of the patient.

The Attending Physician Requests a Consultation from a Cardiologist