colonoscopy consult charge when colonoscopy cancelled

more details

Was this an appt for a screening colonoscopy arranged over the phone? (No visit, no charge)
Was it an established patient? (You could charge them a cancellation fee if that is your policy)
Did the doctor actually see the patient in the holding room, discuss the test and then the patient said "no"? (This is the one instance that you could charge a visit IMHO)

screening colonoscopy cancelled after consult

Patient came in for consult, procedure was scheduled for following week, patient did not show at hosp, called, rescheduled and then cancelled.Can we charge for the consult now that the patient did not show for procedure..We know you cannot charge EM before a diagnostic colonoscopy but the legwork was done.

I gotta say yes

Since you did not do the scope, there is no bundling of the visit into the procedure charge. I would send the referring doc a letter "thanks for referring Mr Smith to consider the risks and benefits of screening for cancer. I advised screening. After his visit and our discussion, he elected not to be screened." You saw the patient, rendered an opinion and sent the info back to the primary doc.

no charge

I do not believe you have a billable service here. You didn't see the patient or perform a service.

The surgeons and GI docs know they can't charge any E/M service before a screening colonoscopy, but can before a diagnostic colonoscopy.

But Editor...

the doc did see the patient and discussed the procedure face to face- counseling at a minimum.

E/M prior to screening colonoscopy

I just don't think you can bill it, since it is included as part of the screening. The fact that the patient no showed for the screening doesn't make the initial visit payable.

If you have a no show policy for everyone, I think you can charge it to a Medicare patient, as well. Someone else may know that for sure.