CPT® Code 98970

Nonphysician qualified health care professional online digital assessment and management, for an established patient, for up to 7 days, cumulative time during the 7 days; 5-10 minutes

The CPT® Code 98970 refers to the online digital assessment and management services provided by a nonphysician qualified health care professional for an established patient. This service is characterized by a cumulative time frame of up to 7 days, during which the total time spent on the digital encounter ranges from 5 to 10 minutes. The procedure is initiated by the patient through electronic communication methods such as email or an electronic health record (EHR) portal. The nonphysician qualified health care professional, which may include registered dieticians, physical therapists, occupational therapists, or speech-language pathologists, engages in a digital evaluation and management process. This involves reviewing the patient's initial inquiry, addressing their complaints and concerns, answering questions, and examining the patient's medical records and other relevant data. The professional may also request additional information, collaborate with clinical staff regarding the patient's issues, and develop a management or treatment plan. Furthermore, they may write prescriptions or order tests as necessary, providing patient counseling and instructions through various digital communication modes. It is important to note that the online service must be documented and stored in the patient's medical record, and the digital encounter must begin with a review of the patient's new inquiry that is not related to any postoperative or previous assessment and management service conducted within the last seven days. The time spent on this digital service is cumulative and is reported using specific codes based on the duration of the encounter, with 98970 designated for 5-10 minutes of cumulative time.