New Patient Office Visit

In our surgical practice, BEFORE the first visit with a potential surgical patient, our physicians have patients complete some diagnostic testing, some of which is completed by an RN in own office without an office visit charge (motility testing). Once all testing is complete (both from our office and hospital), we schedule the patient for a new patient appointment with the surgeon to review the results, have an examination, and decide if surgery is warranted. We were recently told by a colleague that we cannot charge for a new patient visit becuase the patient was already seen in our office (but not by an MD, PA, or ANP). Can you clarify for us?
Thank you!
Sincerely,
Diana Collinson