Name of the Procedure:

Telephone Assessment and Management Service by Qualified Nonphysician Health Care Professional

Summary

A telephone assessment and management service is a medical consultation conducted over the phone by a nonphysician healthcare professional for an established patient, parent, or guardian. This service is provided when the medical issue does not stem from a recent assessment and management service done in the past 7 days.

Purpose

The service aims to address new or ongoing health concerns. The goal is to provide medical advice, assess the situation, and manage the patient's care remotely.

Indications

• New or worsening symptoms that need professional guidance.
• Chronic disease management requiring periodic check-ins.
• Immediate, but non-emergency, health concerns that can be handled over the phone.

Preparation

• Gather all relevant medical information, such as current symptoms, medications, and recent changes in health.
• Ensure a quiet and private place for the call.
• Have a pen and paper handy to take notes.

Procedure Description

1. The patient or caregiver calls at the scheduled time.
2. The healthcare professional asks about the health concern and patient history.
3. The conversation covers symptoms, potential causes, and any necessary management steps.
4. Advice and recommendations are given, which may include home care instructions, prescriptions, or the need for an in-person visit.
5. Documentation of the call is made in the patient's medical records.

Duration

Typically, the call lasts 10-30 minutes depending on the complexity of the issue.

Setting

The comfort of the patient’s home or any convenient location for the patient.

Personnel

• A qualified nonphysician healthcare professional, such as a nurse practitioner, physician assistant, or other licensed practitioners.

Risks and Complications

• Miscommunication or misunderstanding due to the lack of face-to-face interaction.
• Limited ability to perform a physical examination, which may delay diagnosis or treatment.
• Potential need for follow-up in-person assessment if the problem is not resolved.

Benefits

• Immediate access to professional medical advice without the need to travel.
• Convenient and cost-effective, reducing the need for urgent care visits.
• Timely management of health issues, helping to prevent complications.

Recovery

• Follow the given advice and instructions from the healthcare professional.
• Monitor symptoms as discussed.
• Schedule a follow-up call or visit if symptoms persist or worsen.

Alternatives

• In-person clinic visit: Provides a thorough physical examination but may require travel and wait time.
• Telehealth video consultation: Offers visual interaction but may require technical capabilities like a webcam and internet connection.

Patient Experience

• Patients can discuss their health concerns from the comfort of their home.
• The call should be straightforward and focused on addressing the immediate health issue.
• Patients may feel reassured by professional advice and clear next steps.