Online digital evaluation and management service, for an established patient, for up to 7 days, cumulative time during the 7 days; 11-20 minutes
CPT4 code
Name of the Procedure:
Online Digital Evaluation and Management Service, Established Patient, 11-20 minutes (up to 7 days)
Summary
This procedure involves a healthcare provider offering medical evaluation and management services through online communication tools. This service is provided for established patients over a cumulative time of 11-20 minutes spread across up to seven days.
Purpose
The primary purpose is to manage and evaluate a patient's ongoing health condition remotely, offering the convenience of medical care without needing an in-person visit. Expected outcomes include timely medical advice, monitoring of health conditions, and minor adjustments to treatment plans as needed.
Indications
- Chronic disease management (e.g., diabetes, hypertension)
- Follow-up on a recent in-person visit
- New but minor symptoms that do not require urgent in-person evaluation
- Medication adjustments or prescription refills
- Lab result reviews and clarifications
Preparation
- Ensure access to a reliable internet connection and a device capable of online communication (e.g., smartphone, tablet, computer).
- Have relevant medical records, medication lists, and symptom details available for reference.
Procedure Description
- Initial Contact: The patient or caregiver initiates contact through the healthcare provider's approved online platform.
- Information Submission: The patient may need to provide symptom descriptions, vital signs, or other health metrics through secure messaging or a dedicated patient portal.
- Evaluation: The healthcare provider reviews the submitted information and responds with advice, potential diagnoses, or treatment adjustments.
- Communication: Follow-up communications occur as needed within the 7-day period, adding up to a cumulative total of 11-20 minutes of provider time.
- Closure: The provider summarizes the advice given and any next steps, ensuring the patient understands the plan moving forward.
No specific tools, equipment, or anesthesia are involved beyond standard online communication devices and platforms.
Duration
The cumulative time spent by the healthcare provider on this service is 11-20 minutes over a period of up to 7 days.
Setting
This procedure is performed online, typically via a secure patient portal, email, or specialized telehealth platforms.
Personnel
The healthcare provider might include:
- Primary Care Physicians
- Nurse Practitioners
- Physician Assistants
Risks and Complications
- Communication Challenges: Miscommunication or lack of clarity due to the absence of face-to-face interaction.
- Misdiagnosis: Limited ability to perform a physical examination or further tests can lead to incomplete assessments.
Most complications can be managed by a follow-up in-person visit if necessary.
Benefits
- Convenience: No need for travel or waiting rooms.
- Timeliness: Faster access to medical advice and care.
- Cost-Effective: Often lower costs compared to in-person visits. Benefits are typically realized immediately upon receiving medical advice and continuing care.
Recovery
Not applicable as the procedure itself is non-invasive and remote.
Alternatives
- In-Person Visit: Provides a more comprehensive evaluation with physical examination and immediate diagnostic tests.
- Telephone Consultation: Similar but lacks the visual component of most telehealth services.
- Emergency Room/Urgent Care: For more urgent or serious symptoms requiring immediate attention.
In-person visits offer more detailed evaluations but involve traveling and waiting times.
Patient Experience
Patients can expect a straightforward process utilizing familiar digital communication tools. Most find it convenient and comforting to receive medical care from home. Pain management is not applicable as this is a non-invasive digital service.