Critical Care v. Inpatient admission

[maryscalf]

Hello!! Can anyone help guide me in the right direction? When a patient is seen in the PCP's office and then is admitted to the hospital when is it appropriate to use the critical care code of 99291 vs. the inpatient admission of 99221? Or is it ever appropriate? Thanks!

[FTessaBartels]

Please see the CPT book for guidelines.

When the patient is critically ill -AND-
the physician provides at least 30 minutes of direct, face-to-face, critical care
you code the services as 99291-99292.

Hope that helps.

F Tessa Bartels, CPC, CEMC

[maryscalf]

Thank you!!!!!