Wiki Admin & Discharge same day

[kristaylor]

What codes and modifiers to use when the same physician discharges a patient from one hospital and then admits the same patient to a different hospital on the same day. I know the code range 99234 – 99236 are for admission and discharge on the same date. But this scenario is the reverse of that, and I am not sure how it should be reported. Would the AI modifier be appropriate to identify the physician as the admitting physician on whatever code is to be used?

Or would it be best just to submit two separate claims for that date of service?

Thanks for your help.

 

[Pam Warren]

I would submit two claims, because you have to report services at two separate facilities. To me, that's the cleanest way. But I'd be interested to see if anyone else has had this scenario, and if there is any CMS guidance for this.