Ob-Gyn Coding Alert
Eight Hours Required to Report Observation
Question: My ob-gyn admits patients for observation, but the patients occasionally stay for only four to six hours on the same day. I don't feel comfortable charging same-day observation admit and discharge for stays that short. How should I bill for these short observation stays? Massachusetts Subscriber Answer: Although CPT does not outline any time constraints for using the same-day observation admission and discharge codes (99234-99236), Medicare states that a patient must be in observation for more than eight hours to report these codes. If the patient is admitted as observation status for less than eight hours, you should use the observation admission codes (99218-99220) only. Some Medicaid programs have developed their own definition, and you should determine which, if any, your state program applies. Generally, however, if the patient is in observation for less than an hour, you should report these services with an outpatient E/M code (99201-99215).
Ob-Gyn Coding Alert
- Diagnostic vs. Screening Mammograms:
One Simple Question Is the Key to Ensure Proper Coding for This Essential Service
When reporting mammograms, determining whether to bill for a screening or diagnostic service depends on [...] - Mammogram Coding Quiz
Test your coding abilities. Review the following clinical circumstances to determine if they meet the [...] - 6 Scenarios Help You Nail Observation Care Coding
Although observation care coding can be complicated and frustrating, you shouldn't overlook it. Clear documentation [...] - Modifiers -78 and -79:
Get the Payment You Deserve When You Go Back to the OR
If an ob-gyn patient has to return to the operating room for additional treatment during [...] - You Be the Coder:
Delivery With Forceps
Test your coding knowledge. Determine how you would code this situation before looking at the [...] - Reader Question :
ABN Saves the Day for Category III Code
Question: We have started billing for speculoscopy with 0031T, and we got our first denial [...] - Reader Question :
Eight Hours Required to Report Observation
Question: My ob-gyn admits patients for observation, but the patients occasionally stay for only four [...] - Reader Question :
Modifier -51 Is the Key
Question: The ob-gyn performed an anteroposterior colporrhaphy, Burch urethropexy and bilateral salpingooophorectomy during one session. [...] - Reader Question :
Charge for Additional Surgery During C-Section
Question: During a cesarean section, my ob-gyn repaired the rectus abdominus muscles. Is this included [...] - Reader Question :
Diagnosis Codes Critical for Annual Exam
Question: Our ob-gyn saw a Medicare patient for an annual exam with a Pap smear [...] - Reader Question :
Bill for IUD Removal
Question: My ob-gyn inserted an intrauterine device (IUD) more than a year ago and charged [...] - Reader Question :
Prepare Lysis of Adhesions Claim Carefully
Question: The ob-gyn performed difficult open laparoscopy, hysteroscopy, chromotubation, enterolysis, fimbriolysis, salpingolysis, ovariolysis, hydropertubation and [...]
