Advanced Search

Neurology & Pain Management Coding Alert

E/M Coding:

New Codes 99224, 99225, 99226 Help Bridge 'Middle Day' Coding Gap

Published on Tue Jan 18, 2011

Observation services expansion eliminates payer coding variation.2011 brings a new coding option when reporting the middle day of observations that last longer than normal. Check out this expert advice on how CPT additions will affect your neurologist's observation care services coding starting on Jan. 1, 2011.New Codes Offer Observation ClarityUntil this point, coding for the "middle days" of an observation service caused problems. Although not the norm, there are times when a physician admits a patient to observation and she remains in that status for three or more days.Example: A 72-year-old female with a recent history of herpes zoster (shingles) was admitted to observation status following complaints of severe unilateral facial pain and headache. She has a history of migraine headaches but the neurologist has indicated a diagnosis of postherpetic trigeminal neuralgia (053.12). Although her condition has improved, she lives alone and her symptoms are not yet well controlled by [...]
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 your eNewsletter
  • 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
*CEUs available with select eNewsletters.

Other Articles in this issue of

Neurology & Pain Management Coding Alert

View All