CPT® Code 98971

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; 11-20 minutes

The CPT® Code 98971 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 of 11 to 20 minutes spent over a period of up to 7 days. The encounter is initiated by the patient through electronic communication methods such as email, an electronic health record (EHR) portal, or similar platforms. During this digital interaction, the qualified health care professional, which may include registered dieticians, physical therapists, occupational therapists, or speech-language pathologists, engages in a comprehensive evaluation of the patient's concerns and inquiries. The professional reviews the patient's initial communication, addresses any questions, examines the patient's medical records and relevant data, and may request additional information pertinent to the patient's condition. Furthermore, the professional may collaborate with clinical staff regarding the patient's issues, formulate a management or treatment plan, prescribe medications, order diagnostic tests, and provide necessary counseling and instructions through digital means. It is important to note that the online service must be documented and stored in the patient's medical record, ensuring a clear record of the digital encounter. The service is specifically designed for new inquiries that are not related to any postoperative or previous assessment and management services conducted within the last seven days. The time spent on the digital encounter is reported cumulatively, with specific codes assigned for varying durations of service: CPT® Code 98970 for 5-10 minutes, CPT® Code 98971 for 11-20 minutes, and CPT® Code 98972 for 21 or more minutes.