Question:
What is the definition of “new patient” for billing evaluation and management (E/M) services?
Answer:
According to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), the phrase “new patient” is one who has not received any professional services (i.e., E&M service or other face-to-face service, such as a surgical procedure) from the physician or physician group practice (same physician specialty) within the previous three years.