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Telehealth consultation, emergency department or initial inpatient, typically 50 minutes communicating with the patient via telehealth

HCPCS code

Name of the Procedure:

Telehealth Consultation, Emergency Department or Initial Inpatient (typically 50 minutes)

Summary

A Telehealth Consultation for emergency department or initial inpatient care is a medical session conducted remotely using telecommunication technology, allowing doctors to assess and advise patients from a distance. This particular consultation usually lasts around 50 minutes.

Purpose

The primary goal is to provide timely medical evaluation and advice for patients who are in the emergency department or newly admitted to a hospital. It aims to expedite medical decision-making, offer expert opinion, and improve patient outcomes by ensuring quick and effective healthcare delivery.

Indications

  • Acute or emergent medical conditions requiring immediate attention.
  • New inpatient admissions needing initial assessment and management.
  • Conditions where in-person consultation is not possible, but urgent care is necessary.
  • Symptoms like severe pain, acute respiratory issues, trauma, or sudden onset of serious symptoms.

Preparation

  • Ensure a reliable internet connection and access to necessary devices like a smartphone, tablet, or computer with a camera and microphone.
  • Patient should have their current medication list, medical history, and any recent test results ready.
  • No specific fasting or medication adjustments are generally required unless directed by your healthcare provider.

Procedure Description

  1. Patient schedules the telehealth consultation, providing any necessary personal and medical information.
  2. During the scheduled time, the patient connects with the healthcare provider via a secure telehealth platform.
  3. The healthcare provider greets the patient and verifies their identity and medical history.
  4. The patient describes their symptoms and concerns, and the provider conducts a visual assessment.
  5. The provider may ask the patient to perform certain actions to better understand their condition (e.g., moving a limb, showing a rash).
  6. Diagnostic conclusions are discussed, and a plan is developed which may include medication, further tests, or in-person follow-up if required.
  7. The provider documents the encounter and ensures the patient understands the next steps.

Duration

Approximately 50 minutes.

Setting

Conducted remotely via telehealth from the patient's location and the provider's office or another suitable medical facility.

Personnel

  • The primary healthcare provider, likely a physician or specialist.
  • Possibly a nurse or medical assistant to facilitate the consultation.

Risks and Complications

  • Limited ability to conduct a physical exam, potentially missing critical signs.
  • Technical issues such as connectivity problems that can disrupt the consultation.
  • Inaccurate or incomplete patient information due to the remote nature of the visit.

Benefits

  • Quicker access to care, particularly in urgent scenarios or areas with limited healthcare facilities.
  • Convenience for the patient, avoiding the need for travel.
  • Immediate medical advice and intervention plan.

Recovery

  • Typically, there is no physical recovery needed post-consultation.
  • Follow-up may include further diagnostics, medications, or in-person visits as advised by the healthcare provider.

Alternatives

  • In-person visit to the emergency department or a healthcare provider’s office.
  • Urgent care visits.
  • Use of other telehealth services if available.

Patient Experience

During the telehealth session, patients might feel at ease being in their own environment but may also experience initial discomfort or anxiety due to the virtual nature of the visit. Effective communication and a patient-centric approach by the healthcare provider can help in managing any discomfort. Pain and symptom management will be discussed and advised upon as necessary.

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