Name of the Procedure:

Hospital Call (HCPCS Code: D9420)

Summary

A Hospital Call is when a healthcare provider visits a patient in a hospital setting to provide medical assessment, treatment, or consultation directly at the patient’s bedside.

Purpose

Hospital Calls are performed to monitor and manage ongoing or newly emerged medical conditions that require attention in a hospital setting. The goal is to ensure timely and effective medical care for hospitalized patients.

Indications

This procedure is warranted for patients who experience:

• Acute exacerbation of chronic illnesses
• New symptoms requiring immediate evaluation
• Post-operative complications
• Monitoring of unstable medical conditions

Preparation

Prior to a Hospital Call, patients generally do not need to undertake specific preparations. However, healthcare providers may review the patient's medical records and recent diagnostic tests to make informed decisions during the visit.

Procedure Description

1. The healthcare provider reviews the patient's medical history and recent tests.
2. The provider conducts a bedside assessment which may include:
   • Physical examination
   • Vital signs monitoring
   • Symptom review
3. The provider discusses findings with the patient and may adjust treatment plans.
4. Recommendations for further tests or specialty consultations may be made if necessary.

Tools used may include standard examination tools like stethoscopes, blood pressure cuffs, and otoscopes. No anesthesia or sedation is typically required.

Duration

The duration of a Hospital Call typically ranges from 15 minutes to an hour, depending on the complexity of the patient's condition.

Setting

This procedure is performed in a hospital setting, either in the patient's room or a designated consultation area within the hospital.

Personnel

• Primary care physicians or specialists
• Nurses
• Possibly other allied health professionals (e.g., respiratory therapists)

Risks and Complications

The risks associated with a Hospital Call are generally minimal, though complications can arise if:

• Delayed diagnosis or treatment occurs due to complex cases
• Miscommunication happens between the healthcare team and the patient.

Benefits

• Timely medical intervention
• Personalized treatment adjustment
• Direct communication with healthcare providers

Benefits are often realized immediately following the call as the treatment plan can be promptly altered.

Recovery

There’s no recovery period specific to the Hospital Call itself, but any recommendations or treatments resulting from the call may have their own recovery guidelines. Follow-up appointments may be scheduled as needed.

Alternatives

• Telehealth consultations: Can be useful if in-person evaluation isn't critical, but limited by the lack of physical examination.
• Outpatient follow-up: Suitable for stable patients but may delay immediate care.

Patient Experience

Patients can expect a thorough medical evaluation at their bedside. During the procedure, they may feel more comfortable discussing their conditions in detail. Any discomfort from physical examinations is typically minimal. Pain management and comfort measures should be communicated by the healthcare provider if part of the treatment plan.