98971 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; 11-20 minutes

Name of the Procedure:

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; 11-20 minutes.

Summary

This procedure involves an online digital assessment and management conducted by a qualified nonphysician healthcare professional for an established patient over a cumulative period of up to 7 days. The total time spent on the assessment and management activities ranges from 11 to 20 minutes.

Purpose

The medical condition or problem it addresses:

• Chronic disease management
• Acute symptom evaluation
• Follow-up assessments for ongoing treatments

The goals or expected outcomes of the procedure:

• To provide timely medical advice and management
• To adjust treatment plans as necessary based on the patient's reported symptoms and conditions
• To ensure continuity of care and prevent unnecessary hospital visits

Indications

Specific symptoms or conditions that warrant the procedure:

• Mild to moderate exacerbations of chronic conditions
• Post-operative symptom check-ins
• Monitoring and adjustment of medication

Patient criteria or factors that make the procedure appropriate:

• Established patients who need follow-up care
• Patients preferring digital communication for convenience
• Individuals with access to necessary digital devices and internet

Preparation

Pre-procedure instructions for the patient:

• Ensure access to a stable internet connection
• Have a list of current medications and any recent changes ready
• Prepare notes on symptoms and any specific concerns to discuss

Any diagnostic tests or assessments required beforehand:

• No specific tests required beforehand unless indicated by ongoing treatment

Procedure Description

Detailed step-by-step explanation:

1. Scheduling: The patient schedules an online assessment.
2. Digital Communication: Interaction occurs through a secure digital platform (e.g., patient portal, video call, secure messaging).
3. Medical History Review: The professional reviews the patient’s medical history and recent reports.
4. Symptom Assessment: The patient describes symptoms and concerns.
5. Management Plan: The professional offers advice, adjusts medications, or recommends further tests as needed.
6. Documentation: All interactions and changes are documented for continuity of care.

Tools, equipment, or technology used:

• Secure digital communication platforms
• Electronic Health Records (EHR) systems

Anesthesia or sedation details, if applicable:

• Not applicable

Duration

The cumulative time for assessment and management over up to 7 days ranges from 11 to 20 minutes.

Setting

• Online, from the patient's home or any place with internet access.

Personnel

• Qualified nonphysician healthcare professionals such as nurse practitioners or physician assistants.

Risks and Complications

Common and rare risks associated with the procedure:

• Miscommunication due to lack of physical examination
• Potential for missed symptoms requiring in-person evaluation

Possible complications and their management:

• If symptoms worsen or new issues arise, patients may be advised to seek in-person care or emergency services.

Benefits

Expected benefits:

• Convenience and time-saving for patients.
• Prompt medical advice without needing to visit the clinic.
• Continuity of care and regular monitoring.

How soon they might be realized:

• Benefits can often be realized immediately after the interaction, especially if changes in management are needed.

Recovery

Post-procedure care and instructions:

• Follow the advice and management plan provided.
• Report any new or worsening symptoms promptly.

Expected recovery time and any restrictions or follow-up appointments:

• No recovery time as it’s a non-invasive digital procedure.
• Follow-up appointments as advised by the healthcare professional.

Alternatives

Other treatment options available:

• In-person visits for assessment and management
• Telephone consultations

Pros and cons of alternatives compared to the described procedure:

• In-person visits: More thorough physical examination (Pro), requires travel and time (Con).
• Telephone consultations: Convenient (Pro), no visual assessment (Con).

Patient Experience

What the patient might feel or experience during and after the procedure:

• Comfort of staying at home while accessing care.
• Potential concerns about the adequacy of digital assessments compared to in-person visits.

Pain management and comfort measures:

• Generally not applicable as the procedure is non-invasive and digital.