Reader Questions: Revisit Guidelines Before Billing These Consultation Codes

Article Overview

This reader Q&A explains the broad considerations involved in reporting consultation services when one physician evaluates a patient at the request of another. It is aimed at medical coders, billers, and clinicians who need to understand documentation expectations, referral relationships, and how payer policy can affect reporting. The article also discusses the general distinction between consultation reporting and office/outpatient E/M reporting when consultation codes are not accepted by a payer.