Per CPT guidelines, the Office of Inspector General, and Medicare, a consultation must include who requested the consultation, the consulting provider's professional opinion, and a written report of the findings, which is provided to the referring physician. Time can be used to select the level of E/M; however, it is not required if all three components of the documentation are met (history, exam, and medical decision-making). Additionally, once the provider assumes care, a subsequent code appropriate for that place of service would be reported (e.g., 99211-99215) and not a consultation code.

The primary role of the tonsils is to remove bacteria that enter though the oral and nasal cavity. Antigens are molecules located on the surface of pathogens and trigger the formation of antibodies. Lymph nodes filter lymph and form lymphocytes. B cells secrete antibodies that assist in destroying bacterium causing disease.

CPT 98960 is used by nonphysician healthcare professionals who provide education to patients that enable them to self-manage established conditions. CPT 99078 could also be used to report lactation services, but these are specifically rendered in a group setting. CPT 98966 is used for healthcare management via the telephone, and CPT 99211 is not considered the most appropriate descriptor for services rendered in this instance.

If a physician were to only review the most recent X-ray, the physician is only meeting one of the nvo categories in the amount and/or complexity of data reviewed and analyzed. Meeting only one ofthe categories contributes to a low level of medical decision-making. On the other hand, altering a drug management program, reviewing several unique tests, and/or addressing an exacerbation of a chronic illness, all contribute to a moderate level of medical decision-making.

The statement is true. When multiple endoscopic procedures are performed in the same session, only the most extensive service should be reported. In this case, it would be the surgical endoscopy because it has a higher revenue value.