When patients are tested for COVID and are awaiting results – or if they’ve tested positive – research shows virus transmission is reduced by 86% if these patients self-isolate early. For this reason, CMS recently clarified that counseling, which includes the activities listed below, can impact the evaluation and management (E/M) visit level if they comprise more than 50% of the visit. This is valid for telehealth visits as well.
- Signs & symptoms of COVID
- Immediate need to separate themselves from others while waiting for results
- Informing close contacts to also separate from the patient while results are pending
- The patient’s cooperation with the health department if the test is positive
- Any services available to the patient while quarantining at home
Remember, to follow the rules when counseling services are more than 50 percent of the visit length: The time spent and counseling topics need to be documented, and the E/M guidelines apply. Keep in mind that part of the counseling can also include contact tracing.