Name of the Procedure:

Follow-up Inpatient Consultation, Intermediate (HCPCS Code G0407)

Summary

This is a medical consultation conducted via telehealth where a physician spends approximately 25 minutes communicating with an inpatient. The consultation is designed to follow up on the patient's health status, discuss test results, adjust treatment plans, and address any ongoing or emerging concerns.

Purpose

The primary goal of this procedure is to provide ongoing medical evaluation and support for inpatients. It helps in managing chronic conditions, monitoring recovery from illness or surgery, and ensuring that treatment plans are effective and appropriately adjusted.

Indications

• Monitoring chronic illnesses (e.g., diabetes, hypertension)
• Post-operative follow-up
• Evaluation of treatment responses
• Management of acute medical conditions that need ongoing assessment
• Addressing new symptoms or complications that arise during the hospital stay

Preparation

• Ensure the patient has access to a telehealth-enabled device (e.g., smartphone, tablet, computer)
• Provide any recent diagnostic test results to the physician for review
• Patients should be informed about the appointment time and ensure they are available in a quiet, private setting

Procedure Description

1. Initiation: The physician and patient connect via a secure telehealth platform.
2. Introduction and Review: The physician introduces themselves, reviews the patient's case history, and discusses any recent test results or changes in condition.
3. Patient Interaction: The patient provides updates on their symptoms, medication effectiveness, and any new health concerns.
4. Evaluation: The physician conducts a visual assessment and may ask the patient to perform simple physical checks.
5. Discussion: The physician and patient discuss next steps, including potential changes to the treatment plan.
6. Conclusion: The physician summarizes the consultation and outlines any follow-up actions or appointments.

Duration

The consultation typically lasts about 25 minutes.

Setting

This procedure is conducted remotely via telehealth, with the physician in their office or another suitable location and the patient in their hospital room.

Personnel

• Consulting Physician
• Nursing staff may assist in setting up the telehealth connection if needed

Risks and Complications

Common risks are minimal but include:

• Technical difficulties with the telehealth platform
• Miscommunication due to the lack of in-person interaction
• Potential for missed physical examination findings

Benefits

• Provides timely medical advice and adjustments to care plans
• Enhances patient convenience and comfort by eliminating the need for physical travel
• Promotes continuity of care and patient engagement

Recovery

No physical recovery is involved as this is a virtual consultation. Post-consultation, the patient should follow any new instructions provided by the physician and note any follow-up appointments or additional tests required.

Alternatives

• In-person follow-up consultation in the hospital
• Outpatient clinic visit once discharged
• Specialty-specific telehealth consultations

Pros:

• In-person consultations allow for more thorough physical exams.
• Outpatient visits may provide access to additional diagnostic tools.

Cons:

• In-person and outpatient consultations may require more time and physical effort from the patient.
• Telehealth offers convenience and immediate access to care without the need for travel.

Patient Experience

During the telehealth consultation, the patient will interact with the physician via video and audio. They should feel comfortable and free to discuss any concerns as they would in an in-person visit. Comfort measures include setting up the call in a quiet environment and ensuring easy access to any needed medical documents or medications during the call.