Neurology & Pain Management Coding Alert

Report 99238 on date of service, even if patient doesn't leave that day. Discharging a patient from a hospital is one of the most common scenarios you would code for your neurologist in a hospital setting. That doesn't mean you won't sometimes get tripped up by discharge anomalies. Here are some common scenarios your neurologist could face when discharging a patient. Put these strategies to use and you're sure to bring the money in when the patient leaves. Start With 99238 for Standard Discharge If your neurologist finds the total discharge work to be relatively straightforward and doesn't require extended time, you'll report 99238 (Hospital discharge management; 30 minutes or less). Example: Your neurologist admits an eight-year-old  patient suffering from new onset of seizures. The initial inpatient hospital care E/M service occurs on Thursday.The neurologist stabilizes the patient's medication and discharges the patient to his parents five days later. Your [...]