CPT code 98015 refers to a type of medical appointment conducted entirely over the phone, intended for assessing and managing patients already known to the doctor. CPT 98015 represents “Synchronous audio-only visit for the evaluation and management of an established patient, which requires a medically appropriate history and/or examination, high medical decision making, and more than 10 minutes of medical discussion. When using total time on the date of the encounter for code selection, 40 minutes must be met or exceeded.”.
Procedure Explanation:
This procedure involves having a phone call with your doctor, where they collect necessary health history, may ask questions to evaluate your condition, and then make important medical decisions. The discussion lasts over 10 minutes to ensure thorough care. To bill this service, the total time spent discussing must be at least 40 minutes. During this call, the doctor won’t perform treatments but focuses on understanding and planning your care.
Common Names:
- Audio-Only Visit
- Phone Consultation
- Telemedicine Call
Relative Value Units (RVU):
The RVUs associated with this code are 2.6.
How This Procedure Appears:
- Operating Room Schedule Name: Not applicable, as this is not a surgery
- Surgical Consent Form Name: Not applicable, since no consent form is needed for phone visits
Typical Patients and Diagnoses:
This type of appointment is often used by patients managing ongoing conditions, such as those needing medication adjustments for chronic illnesses (e.g., diabetes), or checking in on stable health concerns like controlled high blood pressure. It helps patients who might not need to be physically seen by a doctor, allowing them more convenience and flexibility without the need to travel.
Associated ICD-10 Codes:
- Z71.1: This code is used when patients need general advice about medications.
- Z79.4: This applies to long-term use of insulin for managing diabetes.
- I10: Represents a diagnosis of high blood pressure, a common chronic condition.
Summary
In summary, code 98015 describes a phone call medical visit focusing on evaluating and managing existing health issues. Typical ICD-10 codes associated with 98015 include Z71.1 (Medication Management) and Z79.4 (Long-term Insulin Use).
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.