first hospital visit

We have always used the consult code when the doctor has seen a first time patient in the hospital. Medicare does not allow that anymore. What code do you now use for a first time visit? My dr. hardly see's hospital patients. Thanks

Initial hospital visit

If not the admitting physician, code 99221-99223 with appropriate diagnosis. If the admitting physician code 99221-99223 with AI modifier. This modifier identifies the admitting physician of record for hospital inpatient and nursing facility admissions. For operational purposes, this modifier will distinguish the admitting physician of record who oversees the patient's care from other physicians who may be furnishing specialty care.

first hospital visit

There's an article on codapedia that discusses this. Type in "update" in the search box and you'll find the article on the CMS rules for billing for services that used to be consults.