98009 Synch audio-only new low 30
Also known as: phone visit, telephone consultation, audio telehealth
Synchronous (real-time) audio-only interactive telehealth service between physician/qualified healthcare provider and patient for low complexity care, up to 30 minutes.
In Plain Language
30-minute phone call with doctor; extended telephone appointment
Clinical Context
Used for real-time telephone consultations with new patients requiring low complexity assessment.
RVU Breakdown
| Work RVU | 1.55 |
| Total RVU | 1.55 |
Est. Medicare Payment
National estimate based on 2026 CMS PFS Conversion Factor ($33.40). Actual payment varies by locality (GPCI adjustment).
Billing & Documentation
Medicine section codes cover a wide range of non-surgical services. Documentation should include the clinical indication, procedure details, interpretation (if applicable), and any patient-specific findings.
How This Code Compares
With a work RVU of 1.55, this code ranks in the 71st percentile among Medicine codes — 2.0x the median (0.78). The highest wRVU in this category is 23.92.
Specialties
Frequently Asked Questions
What is CPT code 98009?
CPT 98009 (Synch audio-only new low 30) is a Medicine code. Synchronous (real-time) audio-only interactive telehealth service between physician/qualified healthcare provider and patient for low complexity care, up to 30 minutes.
Who uses CPT code 98009?
CPT 98009 is used by Telemedicine, Primary Care, Mental Health. Used for real-time telephone consultations with new patients requiring low complexity assessment.
When is CPT 98009 used?
Used for real-time telephone consultations with new patients requiring low complexity assessment.
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CPT® is a registered trademark of the American Medical Association. Data sourced from CMS Physician Fee Schedule RVU26A. Descriptions, synonyms, and clinical context are original content by RVU Edge.