How To Use CPT Code 59050

CPT 59050 describes the supervision and interpretation of fetal monitoring during labor by a consulting physician, with a written report. This article will cover the description, procedure, qualifying circumstances, appropriate usage, documentation requirements, billing guidelines, historical information and billing examples.

1. What is CPT Code 59050?

CPT 59050 can be used to represent the supervision and interpretation of fetal monitoring during labor by a consulting physician. This code is used when the attending physician requests the opinion of a consulting physician regarding the well-being of the fetus during labor. The consulting physician supervises the placement of external fetal monitors and evaluates the data collected over a specified period of time. The physician then interprets the results and provides a written report to the attending physician.

2. Official Description

The official description of CPT code 59050 is: ‘Fetal monitoring during labor by consulting physician (ie, non-attending physician) with written report; supervision and interpretation.’

3. Procedure

1. The attending physician requests the opinion of a consulting physician regarding the well-being of the fetus during labor.
2. The consulting physician supervises the placement of external fetal monitors by the nursing staff.
3. The consulting physician evaluates the data collected from the monitors over a specified period of time.
4. The physician assesses the baseline fetal heart rate, baseline variability, presence of accelerations, periodic and episodic decelerations, changes or trends in fetal heart rate patterns, and the frequency and intensity of uterine contractions.
5. The consulting physician interprets the results and makes recommendations for delivery options.
6. A written report is provided to the attending physician.

4. Qualifying circumstances

CPT 59050 is used when the attending physician requests the opinion of a consulting physician regarding the well-being of the fetus during labor. The consulting physician must supervise the placement of external fetal monitors and interpret the data collected from the monitors. The physician must assess various factors related to the fetal heart rate and uterine contractions. A written report must be provided to the attending physician.

5. When to use CPT code 59050

CPT code 59050 should be used when a consulting physician provides supervision and interpretation of fetal monitoring during labor. This code is appropriate when the attending physician requests the opinion of a consulting physician and the consulting physician performs the necessary tasks outlined in the procedure section. It is important to note that only the consulting physician who performs the supervision and interpretation should report this code.

6. Documentation requirements

To support a claim for CPT 59050, the consulting physician must document the following information:

• A request for consultation from the attending physician
• Supervision of the placement of external fetal monitors
• Evaluation of the collected data over a specified period of time
• Assessment of various factors related to the fetal heart rate and uterine contractions
• Interpretation of the results
• Recommendations for delivery options
• A written report provided to the attending physician

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for CPT 59050, only the consulting physician who performs the supervision and interpretation should report this code. It is important to meet all the criteria for billing a consultation, including documentation of a request for the consultation. CPT code 59050 should not be reported with other codes unless specific circumstances warrant it. It is crucial to follow the appropriate guidelines for reporting this code accurately.

8. Historical information

CPT 59050 was added to the Current Procedural Terminology system on January 1, 1990. There have been no updates to the code since its addition.

9. Examples

1. A consulting physician supervising and interpreting fetal monitoring during labor and providing a written report to the attending physician.
2. A consulting obstetrician evaluating the data from external fetal monitors and making recommendations for delivery options based on the interpretation of the results.
3. A consulting physician assessing the baseline fetal heart rate, variability, and uterine contractions during labor and providing a written report to the attending physician.
4. A consulting obstetrician interpreting the results of fetal monitoring and discussing the findings with the attending physician to determine the best course of action.
5. A consulting physician reviewing the data from external fetal monitors and providing a written report with recommendations for delivery options to the attending physician.
6. A consulting obstetrician supervising the placement of external fetal monitors and interpreting the collected data to ensure the well-being of the fetus during labor.
7. A consulting physician evaluating the fetal heart rate patterns and uterine contractions during labor and providing a written report to the attending physician.
8. A consulting obstetrician interpreting the results of fetal monitoring and making recommendations for delivery options based on the assessment of the data.
9. A consulting physician assessing the baseline fetal heart rate and variability, as well as the presence of accelerations and decelerations, during labor and providing a written report to the attending physician.
10. A consulting obstetrician supervising the placement of external fetal monitors and interpreting the collected data to ensure the safety of the fetus during labor.