Cardiology Coding Alert

Question: Is it appropriate to bill for hospital discharge if the patient dies?

Illinois Subscriber

Answer: Only the physician who performs the pronouncement of death may submit 99238-99239 (Hospital discharge day management ...), according to Medicare Claims Processing Manual, Chapter 12, Section 30.6.9.2.E (www.cms.gov/Regulations-and-Guidance/Guidance/Manuals/Downloads/clm104c12.pdf).

DOS: "The date of the pronouncement must reflect the calendar date of service on the day it was performed even if the paperwork is delayed to a subsequent date," the manual states.