What should both physicians do when an ED physician requests another physician to see the patient?

When an emergency department (ED) physician requests another physician to see a patient, both physicians can report an ED code because both are contributing to the care of the patient during that encounter. The ED physician's role typically involves the initial evaluation and management of the patient, while the consulting physician provides an additional layer of assessment or specialized care.

This scenario reflects the collaborative nature of patient management in emergency situations. The ED physician’s evaluation is documented and billed separately from the consultant's services, which also justifies the concurrent reporting. The ED physician initiates the care, and the consulting physician adds to this by addressing specific issues or concerns that the ED physician identifies.

Therefore, both physicians should report their separate services with the correct codes, reflecting the comprehensive care provided to the patient. This is in line with coding guidelines that allow for multiple providers to bill for their contributions in a shared care model, especially in the acute setting of an emergency department.