preop visit to colonoscopy

When a patient is referred to the gastro for a routine colonoscopy from their PCP, can the gastroenterologist get reimbursed a visit/consult 4 days prior to the colonoscopy? The diag would be routine screening (V76.51). There is no other problem diagnosis.

Jul 17th, 2011 -

re: preop visit to colonoscopy

Nope- not allowed- staff sets it up, doc meets patient in holding room. If staff elicits any symptoms on that pre-op call, then you can see them and bill

Jul 18th, 2011 -

re: preop visit to colonoscopy

An alternative to the pre-op visit would be for the nurse to see the patient to obtain the necessary history on the patient. This would minimize the cost to the company and free up your docs to see other patients.