How To Use CPT Code 59051

CPT 59051 describes the interpretation of fetal monitoring during labor by a consulting physician, who provides a written report to the attending physician. 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 59051?

CPT 59051 involves the interpretation of fetal monitoring during labor by a consulting physician, who evaluates the data from fetal monitors and provides a written report to the attending physician. This code is used when the consulting physician assesses the baseline fetal heart rate, variability, presence of accelerations, decelerations, changes or trends in fetal heart rate patterns, and the frequency and intensity of uterine contractions. The consulting physician then interprets the results and makes recommendations for delivery options.

2. Official Description

The official description of CPT code 59051 is: ‘Fetal monitoring during labor by consulting physician (ie, non-attending physician) with written report; interpretation only.’

3. Procedure

1. The attending physician requests the opinion of a consulting physician regarding fetal well-being during labor.
2. The consulting physician evaluates the data from fetal monitors over a specified period of time, assessing various parameters such as baseline fetal heart rate, variability, accelerations, decelerations, and uterine contractions.
3. The consulting physician interprets the results and makes recommendations for delivery options.
4. A written report is provided to the attending physician, summarizing the findings and recommendations.

4. Qualifying circumstances

CPT 59051 is used when a consulting physician is asked to interpret fetal monitoring data during labor. The consulting physician evaluates the data and provides a written report to the attending physician, offering recommendations for delivery options. It is important to note that the consulting physician does not monitor the patient during this time.

5. When to use CPT code 59051

CPT code 59051 should be used when a consulting physician is specifically asked to interpret fetal monitoring data during labor and provide a written report to the attending physician. It is important to ensure that all criteria for billing a consultation are met, including documentation of a request for the consultation. This code should not be used for the supervision and interpretation portion of the service, which is reported with code 59050.

6. Documentation requirements

To support a claim for CPT 59051, the consulting physician must document the following information:

• A request for the consultation from the attending physician
• Evaluation of the fetal monitoring data, including baseline fetal heart rate, variability, accelerations, decelerations, and uterine contractions
• Interpretation of the results and recommendations for delivery options
• A written report provided to the attending physician

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for CPT 59051, it is important to ensure that the service is provided by a consulting physician and that a written report is provided to the attending physician. This code should not be reported if the consulting physician also provides the supervision and interpretation portion of the service, which is reported with code 59050. It is important to follow the guidelines for reporting consultation codes and document the request for the consultation.

8. Historical information

CPT 59051 was added to the Current Procedural Terminology system on January 1, 1995. There have been no updates to the code since its addition.

9. Examples

1. A consulting physician evaluates the fetal monitoring data during labor and provides a written report to the attending physician, recommending an emergency cesarean section due to non-reassuring fetal heart rate patterns.
2. A consulting physician interprets the fetal monitoring data and advises the attending physician on the need for induction of labor based on the presence of prolonged decelerations.
3. A consulting physician reviews the fetal heart rate patterns and recommends continuous monitoring during labor due to decreased variability.
4. A consulting physician assesses the fetal monitoring data and suggests the use of vacuum extraction for delivery based on the presence of repetitive late decelerations.
5. A consulting physician interprets the fetal heart rate patterns and advises the attending physician on the need for a cesarean section due to a non-reassuring baseline heart rate.
6. A consulting physician evaluates the fetal monitoring data and recommends the use of oxytocin augmentation to strengthen uterine contractions based on the presence of insufficient contractions.
7. A consulting physician reviews the fetal heart rate patterns and advises the attending physician on the need for fetal scalp sampling due to persistent bradycardia.
8. A consulting physician interprets the fetal monitoring data and recommends immediate delivery via forceps due to the presence of variable decelerations.
9. A consulting physician assesses the fetal heart rate patterns and suggests the use of intrauterine resuscitation techniques based on the presence of minimal variability.
10. A consulting physician evaluates the fetal monitoring data and advises the attending physician on the need for continuous fetal scalp pH monitoring due to recurrent late decelerations.