Pediatric Coding Alert

Here's your step-by-step guide to each type of care. Choosing the appropriate codes for initial newborn services can be difficult due to the large number of available codes and the gray areas between the spectrum of illnesses. If you find yourself getting tripped up by the multiple categories, read on for some expert tips and realworld examples that will point you in the right direction every time. Normal Care Means No Problems A "normal" newborn has no medical conditions or need for special care. Report a normal newborn's history and examination with 99460 (Initial hospital or birthing center care, per day, for evaluation and management of normal newborn infant). Donelle Holle, RN, a consultant with Pedscoding.com in Indiana, says this initial care includes five things: 1. Maternal and/or fetal and newborn history 2. Newborn physical examination 3. Ordering of diagnostic tests and treatments 4. Meetings with the family 5. Documentation [...]