cpccoder2008
True Blue
What are the guidelines on documentation between the two ??
-
If this is your first visit, be sure to check out the FAQ & read the forum rules. To view all forums, post or create a new thread, you must be an AAPC Member. If you are a member and have already registered for member area and forum access, you can log in by clicking here. If you've forgotten your username or password use our password reminder tool. To start viewing messages, select the forum that you want to visit from the selection below..
Wiki Admit or Observation
- Thread starter cpccoder2008
- Start date
mitchellde
True Blue
I am with Laura, other than what she has stated you must have a physicians order, you cannot bill observation if the order states admit and vice versa
cpccoder2008
True Blue
I understand the coding part is the same for all e/m's but i'm reffering to the documentation. My physician will do a H&P and put admit to observation then follow the patient on the floor. I do the billing for surgery doctor's so most of the time the patient requires surgery within the next few days.
mitchellde
True Blue
He says obsevation so that is what it is, if the stay is over 23 hours then he needs to be prompted for a new order to convert to inpatient.
Actually, doesn't CPT guidelines state that there is no specific time guideline for observation, just that anything past the first date would be reported with the regular outpatinet codes 99212-99215? Claim may be denied for medical necessity after 48 hours, but....