Outpatient Facility Coding Alert - 2014 Issue 3
Reader Question: Review New Patient Definition
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Article Overview
This reader Q&A discusses how to interpret the new-patient definition in the context of prior diagnostic services, face-to-face contact, and later office encounters. It is written for medical coders and billing staff who need to apply general E/M patient-status guidance consistently across encounters and physician group practices.
Why This Topic Matters
Correctly distinguishing new versus established patient status is important for selecting the appropriate evaluation and management service category and avoiding inconsistent reporting across visits.
What You Will Learn
- How prior professional services can affect patient status
- How face-to-face contact relates to new versus established patient classification
- How diagnostic service history may be considered when reviewing patient status
- How the article frames office-based evaluation and management patient designation
Who Should Read This
- Medical coders
- Billing staff
- Practice administrators
- Compliance personnel
- Physician office staff
Codes Discussed
Code Ranges Discussed
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