Neurosurgery Coding Alert

Heres when you can claim a consult rather than an admit/subsequent care code. Did you know if your neurosurgeon manages the patients head injury while another physician takes care of everything else, then you should hold off on reporting an admission service? Given insurers interest in these codes, you should avoid making mistakes -- or else. Face these four questions, and youll stay out of auditors crosshairs. 1. What Does Hospital Admission Entail? You may report a hospital admission (99221-99223) for a neurosurgeon (or any other specialist) as long as the neurosurgeon assumes full responsibility for the patients care, says Dianne Wilkinson, RHIT, compliance officer and quality manager with MedSouth Healthcare in Dyersburg, Tenn. Example: From the emergency department the neurosurgeon admits a patient with head injuries. The patient may require the care of several specialists, such as a general surgeon, orthopedist, neurologist, and others, to deal with his injuries. As [...]