Qualified nonphysician health care professional online digital assessment and management, for an established patient, for up to 7 days, cumulative time during the 7 days; 5-10 minutes
CPT4 code
Name of the Procedure:
Qualified Nonphysician Health Care Professional Online Digital Assessment and Management for an Established Patient (5-10 Minutes)
Summary
This procedure involves a qualified nonphysician health care professional providing online digital assessment and management for an established patient over up to 7 days. The total cumulative time for these interactions ranges from 5 to 10 minutes.
Purpose
The procedure is designed to address ongoing medical conditions or to provide follow-up care. The goal is to offer accessible and timely medical guidance without the need for an in-person visit, ensuring continuous care and appropriate management of the patient's health concerns.
Indications
- The patient has an established relationship with the healthcare provider.
- Conditions that do not require an immediate physical examination.
- Follow-up for chronic conditions or ongoing treatments.
- Assessment of new, non-urgent symptoms.
Preparation
- Ensure reliable internet access and a compatible device for online communication.
- Have any relevant medical records or information handy.
- No special preparation such as fasting or medication adjustments is typically required.
Procedure Description
- The patient initiates contact through a secure online platform.
- The healthcare professional reviews the patient's medical history and current concerns.
- Communication may occur through messaging, video calls, or email exchanges.
- The professional provides assessment, advice, and may prescribe medications or recommend further tests if necessary.
- The interaction is documented in the patient’s medical record.
Duration
The cumulative interaction time over the span of up to 7 days is between 5 to 10 minutes.
Setting
This procedure is performed online, which can be accessed by the patient from home or any other location with internet access.
Personnel
The procedure is conducted by a qualified nonphysician healthcare professional, such as a nurse practitioner, physician assistant, or other allied health professional.
Risks and Complications
- Miscommunication or misunderstanding of instructions due to lack of physical presence.
- Potential for information security breaches if not conducted on a secure platform.
- Inadequate assessment for conditions that require a physical examination.
Benefits
- Provides convenient and timely access to healthcare guidance.
- Reduces the need for in-person visits, saving time and resources.
- Can help manage ongoing conditions effectively and promptly address new, non-urgent symptoms.
Recovery
- No specific recovery period required, as this is a non-invasive, digital procedure.
- Patients should follow any medical advice or prescriptions provided during the assessment.
Alternatives
- In-person visits to a healthcare provider.
- Telephone consultations.
- Urgent care or emergency room visits for more acute conditions.
Patient Experience
- Patients should find the process convenient and accessible.
- Any discomfort would likely come from the symptoms being addressed rather than the procedure itself.
- Providers may offer guidance on improving comfort and managing symptoms based on the patient's condition.