Ask An Expert: noncompliant patient
| Q: | Two years ago, I saw Mrs. Jones as a new patient. I took a detailed history and developed a treatment plan for her HTN, CAD and other health issues. My office has attempted to schedule additional appointments and Mrs. Jones is either a no-show or cancels the appointment at the last minute. Mrs. Jones had a recent hospital stay where CHF and valvular heart disease were diagnosed. I haven’t seen her in two years and she has come to my office to continue outpatient treatment. I basically have to start from scratch due to her long absence and new health problems. Can’t I bill her visit as a new patient? |
| A: |
The answer is no. Mrs. Jones may be a noncompliant patient, but she is an established, noncompliant patient. CMS guidelines specifically define a new patient as someone who has not received services from this physician or another physician in the … Read Full Post |