Reader Questions: Bill Consultations With a Referral

Article Overview

This reader Q&A explains the general billing scenario of a referred patient being evaluated before a later procedure, with emphasis on whether the encounter is treated as a consultation or a new patient visit. It summarizes the documentation and referral-source considerations described in the CPT consultation guidance, along with the impact of a recent change in written-request requirements. The article is relevant to surgeons, office-based coders, billers, and revenue cycle staff who handle evaluation and management reporting.