What this is, in plain language
A first telephone-only visit with a clinician, about 30 minutes of total provider time or low-complexity decision-making.
Why a clinician orders it
Establishing care or a new problem with some history to review when video is not available.
Medical necessity — what insurers usually look at
Plan dependent; many plans do not cover audio-only visits. Confirm coverage before the visit.
New to this? Read what medical necessity means and how to appeal a denial.
Documentation to ask about
- ✓That the visit was audio only, and why video was not used
- ✓Your location at the time of the visit
- ✓Total time or decision-making elements
Questions for your provider
- ?Does my plan pay for phone-only visits?
- ?What will I be charged if it does not?
Why this code is in our seed set
Part of the new CPT 98000–98015 telehealth E/M family introduced for 2025.
Validated against
- •AMA CPT 2025 E/M telehealth code set (98000–98015)
- •CMS telehealth services list
Terms you'll see
Medical NecessityRead more →
The insurer is reviewing whether the service is clinically appropriate for your situation.
Important: AuraCode is an educational tool. It does not provide medical, legal, or insurance advice, claims decisions, or approval guarantees. Final coverage depends on your specific plan, eligibility, diagnosis, submitted documentation, and your insurer's review.