A consultation requested by the patient is categorized as which type of visit?

A consultation requested by the patient is categorized as a new patient visit because the patient is seeking the expertise of a provider for the first time. In this scenario, the patient is not just returning for ongoing treatment but is initiating a new relationship with a healthcare professional.

A new patient is typically defined as someone who has not received any professional services from the physician or another provider of the same specialty in the same group practice within the past three years. This categorization is essential for accurate medical coding, as it influences the level of service provided and the associated reimbursement rates. When a patient actively seeks a consult without prior visits, it clearly meets the criteria for a new visit type, reflecting both the medical and administrative guidelines outlined by coding standards.