Dear colleagues: Hospitalist on rounds to see non-MCR patient for first time is called back later in the day for another different issue for the same patient. Initially, the first time the patient was seen was recorded as new patient, and 2nd time on this same day, doctor entered "established patient". It’s my understanding that both visits should be combined into ‘one service" to meet criteria, but just want to make sure the visit would go out as a NEW PATIENT visit. Initial visited coded as 99222 and subsequent same day followup as 99231 for different issue altogether.

I’m trying to find an authoritative document specifically outlining an issue such as this.

Hope someone can jump in with some advice!