Hospital Protocol?

I am assessing Hospitalists encounters. I'm hoping someone can help me. The Hospitalits are using the Consultation codes (99251-99255) on Psych patients b/c per Hospital protocol each Psych patient that have medical conditions must be evaluated by a Hospitalist. I say they should not be using the Consultation codes (outside of the fact that hospitalists shouldn't use these except for preops) b/c this is a Hospital Protocol also there's no orders from the requesting Psych provider. However, I am not sure if I can use the initial visits codes (99221-99223) or subsequent visits (99231-99233). Did I mention this patient is Medicaid. I am asssuming it is okay to use 99221-99223.

Any thoughts!

Greatly appreciate it!

re: Hospital Protocol?

Hospitals are not an approved referral for consultation codes. If the attending does not request a service and the only reason for the encounter by hospitalist is based on a hospitals protocol, then the hospital should compensate.

re: Hospital Protocol?

Thank you for your prompt response!

Just one more question, is it safe to say the initial visit code 99221-99223 can be used?

re: Hospital Protocol?

For what.

re: Hospital Protocol?

I think I know where your are going. Thanks!