Name of the Procedure:

Qualified Nonphysician Healthcare Professional Online Assessment Service
Common name(s): Online check-up, Telehealth review
Technical/Medical term: HCPCS Code G2062

Summary

This online assessment service allows a qualified nonphysician healthcare professional to evaluate and manage health issues of an established patient over a seven-day period, with a cumulative interaction time of 11-20 minutes.

Purpose

This service addresses various ongoing or new medical concerns of patients without requiring an in-person visit. The primary goals are to provide timely medical advice, adjust treatments, and manage conditions remotely, ensuring continuous and convenient care.

Indications

• Management of chronic conditions (e.g., diabetes, hypertension)
• Follow-up on recent treatments or procedures
• Assessing new symptoms or minor health issues
• Medication management and adjustments
• General health inquiries and advice

Preparation

• Ensure you have a stable internet connection.
• Gather any relevant medical records or notes.
• Write down your symptoms, questions, and concerns to discuss.
• No fasting or medication adjustments are typically required prior to the assessment.

Procedure Description

1. Initiating Contact: The patient may use a secure telehealth platform to contact the healthcare professional.
2. Communication: Interaction occurs via video call, phone call, email, or secure messaging.
3. Assessment: The healthcare professional reviews patient history, symptoms, and any prior medical records.
4. Recommendations: The professional may provide medical advice, prescribe medications, or recommend follow-up appointments as needed.
5. Documentation: Each interaction is documented in the patient's medical record for continuity of care.

Tools/Equipment Used: Computer or mobile device with internet access, secure telehealth platform.

Anesthesia/Sedation: Not applicable.

Duration

The cumulative interaction time typically lasts between 11-20 minutes over a period of up to seven days.

Setting

This service is performed remotely, allowing patients to stay at home while receiving care.

Personnel

Healthcare professionals involved include:

• Nurse Practitioners (NP)
• Physician Assistants (PA)
• Clinical Nurse Specialists (CNS)
• Other qualified nonphysician healthcare providers

Risks and Complications

• Common Risks: Miscommunication or misunderstanding of symptoms due to lack of physical examination.
• Rare Risks: Delayed diagnosis of conditions requiring in-person evaluation.

Possible complications can usually be managed by recommending an in-person visit if necessary.

Benefits

• Timeliness: Patients receive prompt medical advice and management.
• Convenience: No need to travel; care provided in the comfort of home.
• Continuity of Care: Ongoing management of chronic conditions or follow-up on recent concerns. Benefits are often realized immediately upon receiving professional medical advice.

Recovery

• Post-Procedure Care: Follow recommendations given by the healthcare professional.
• Recovery Time: Not applicable as this is a non-invasive procedure.
• Restrictions/Follow-Up Appointments: Adhere to any follow-up appointments or subsequent instructions provided.

Alternatives

• In-Person Visit: Visiting a healthcare provider directly for a face-to-face assessment.
  • Pros: Comprehensive physical examination.
  • Cons: Requires travel and more time.
• Emergency Room: For urgent or severe symptoms.
  • Pros: Immediate access to full medical services.
  • Cons: Higher cost and longer wait times for non-emergent issues.

Patient Experience

During the procedure, patients typically experience convenience and ease of access to healthcare services. Post-procedure, patients often feel assured by the prompt professional medical advice and follow-up care instructions. Pain management is typically not required; however, the comfort of receiving care from home is a significant benefit.