CPT code 98010 refers to a medical service where a healthcare provider talks with a new patient over the phone to evaluate their health situation. CPT 98010 represents “Synchronous audio-only visit for the evaluation and management of a new patient, which requires a medically appropriate history and/or examination, moderate medical decision making, and more than 10 minutes of medical discussion. When using total time on the date of the encounter for code selection, 45 minutes must be met or exceeded.”.
Procedure Explanation:
This procedure involves a doctor having a phone conversation with a new patient to discuss their medical history and current symptoms. The doctor makes decisions based on the information gathered during the call, which should last more than 10 minutes for meaningful discussion or at least 45 minutes if time is being considered for billing. This service is specifically an audio-only interaction, meaning no physical examination or in-person visit occurs during this time.
Common Names:
- Audio Consultation
- Phone Visit
- Telephonic Evaluation
Relative Value Units (RVU):
The RVUs associated with this code are 2.42.
How This Procedure Appears:
- Operating Room Schedule Name: Not applicable as this procedure does not require an operating room.
- Surgical Consent Form Name: Audio-Only Patient Consultation
Typical Patients and Diagnoses:
This kind of consultation is commonly used for patients who need initial evaluation without leaving their home, such as those with mobility issues or those in remote areas. For example, a person experiencing mild but concerning symptoms like a persistent cough or unusual fatigue might use this service to get advice from a doctor. Other scenarios include follow-ups for ongoing conditions like diabetes management or ensuring proper medication use.
Associated ICD-10 Codes:
- Z71.1: Person consulting for explanation of examination results
- Z02.79: Encounter for issue of other medical certificate
- R68.89: Other general symptoms and signs
Summary
In summary, code 98010 describes a medical consultation conducted over the phone with a focus on evaluating a new patient’s situation. Typical ICD-10 codes associated with 98010 include Z71.1 (Consultation for test results explanation) and Z02.79 (Consultation for medical certification issuance).
Disclaimer
This post is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for medical advice. “CPT” and CPT Codes are registered trademarks of the American Medical Association. HCPCS codes are managed by Medicare and are not subject to copyright.