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LEVEL 1 HOSPITAL CONSULT (99251) |
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Level 1 Hospital Consult (99251)
This is the lowest level of care for a hospital consult. Internists used this code for only 2% of these encounters in 2003. To get an idea of the frequency of use of this code among sub-specialists, nephrologists used the 99251 for less than 1% of consults performed in the hospital during that same year (which added up to 5,432 visits in the entire country). Usually the presenting problems are self-limited or minor. The reimbursement for this level of care is approximately $35.80.
Documentation requires THREE out of THREE of the following :
1. Problem Focused History
2. Problem Focused Exam
3. Straightforward Medical Decision-Making
Or 35 minutes spent face-to-face
with the patient if coding based on time. The appropriate
documentation must be included.
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