Name of the Procedure:

Follow-up Inpatient Consultation, Limited via Telehealth

• Medical Term: G0406

Summary

A follow-up inpatient consultation, limited, via telehealth is a procedure where a physician spends approximately 15 minutes communicating with a hospitalized patient through telehealth technology. This service allows doctors to monitor patient progress, adjust treatment plans, and address any emerging concerns without the need for in-person visits.

Purpose

• Medical Conditions or Problems Addressed: This procedure is primarily used for follow-up consultations to assess the ongoing recovery or management of hospitalized patients who need continued medical evaluation.
• Goals or Expected Outcomes: To provide timely medical consultations, ensure effective ongoing treatment, adjust medications if needed, and facilitate quicker response to emerging patient needs while reducing the risk of exposure to infectious diseases.

Indications

• Specific symptoms or conditions such as post-surgical follow-up, management of chronic conditions, or monitoring of specific medical treatments.
• Patient criteria include those currently hospitalized needing ongoing evaluation but not requiring a physical examination during the follow-up.

Preparation

• Pre-procedure instructions generally include ensuring access to telehealth technology (e.g., a tablet or smartphone with video capabilities).
• Any relevant diagnostic tests or assessments should be completed prior to the consultation and results made available to the consulting physician.

Procedure Description

1. The patient will be scheduled for a telehealth appointment.
2. At the scheduled time, the physician and patient connect through a secure video conferencing platform.
3. The physician reviews the patient's current status, discusses any symptoms or concerns, and may adjust treatment as necessary.
4. The consultation typically involves reviewing medical records, discussing progress, and planning further care.
5. The physician records the details of the consultation in the patient's medical records.

Tools, Equipment, or Technology Used:

• Secure video conferencing platforms
• Electronic Health Records (EHR) system for documenting consultation details

Anesthesia or Sedation Details: Not applicable for telehealth consultations.

Duration

The procedure typically lasts around 15 minutes.

Setting

The consultation is performed via telehealth, connecting the physician from their office or a designated telehealth center to the patient's location within the hospital.

Personnel

• Primary personnel involved include the consulting physician.
• Additional healthcare staff may assist with technology setup or information relay if needed.

Risks and Complications

• Common Risks: Minimal, mostly related to technical issues like poor internet connectivity.
• Rare Risks: Miscommunication or missed subtle physical symptoms due to the virtual nature of the consultation.

Benefits

• Expected Benefits: Timely medical consultation, convenience of care, potential for quicker recovery response, reduced risk of exposure to infectious agents.
• Patients can realize these benefits shortly after the procedure as treatment plans are adjusted accordingly.

Recovery

• Post-procedure Care and Instructions: There are no specific post-procedure care instructions unique to the telehealth consultation. Follow-up care depends on the physician’s recommendations made during the consultation.
• Expected Recovery Time: Not applicable as this is a consultation. Restrictions and follow-up are as per ongoing treatments discussed during the consultation.

Alternatives

• Other Treatment Options Available: In-person follow-up consultation.
• Pros and Cons of Alternatives:
  • In-person Consultation: Pro - allows a physical examination; Con - increased risk of exposure to infectious diseases, and greater time and resource commitment.

Patient Experience

• During the Procedure: The patient might experience the ease of discussing their health status from their hospital room without needing to travel. They should have privacy and a clear video and audio connection for effective communication.
• Pain Management and Comfort Measures: Not applicable. Comfort is generally better maintained as the patient stays in their hospital room for the consultation.