Advanced Search

Cardiology Coding Alert

Reader Questions:

How to Code Consult for Observation Pt

Published on Thu Jan 27, 2005

Question: Another doctor asked my cardiologist for a consult. He saw a patient who had been admitted for an observation stay. Should I use 99218-99220?

New Hampshire Subscriber Answer: Because your doctor is involved with the patient in a consultative capacity, you should report his services with the appropriate outpatient consultation code (99241-99245). But if your doctor admits the patient to the hospital, you should more accurately report his service with the applicable hospital admission code (99221-99223.)
You’ve reached your limit of free articles. Already a subscriber? Log in.
Not a subscriber? Subscribe today to continue reading this article. Plus, you’ll get:
  • Simple explanations of current healthcare regulations and payer programs
  • Real-world reporting scenarios solved by our expert coders
  • Industry news, such as MAC and RAC activities, the OIG Work Plan, and CERT reports
  • Instant access to every article ever published in Revenue Cycle Insider
  • 6 annual AAPC-approved CEUs
  • The latest updates for CPT®, ICD-10-CM, HCPCS Level II, NCCI edits, modifiers, compliance, technology, practice management, and more

Other Articles in this issue of

Cardiology Coding Alert

View All