Wiki Doctor with Resident

[randiroyder]

My doctor's told me that they were told that when they have a resident with them that on a discharge they can not use 99239 even if they spent more then 30 minutes. Is this true?

I would think that if the doctor spent more than 30 minutes on the discharge, even though he has a resident he should be able to code 239 and not 238.

Thanks for your help.

 

[cpccoder2008]

I have never heard of that either. But if it is true i would like to see it in writing before i present it to my doctors.

 

[elvisgirl62]

I never heard of that either and I work in a residency program also. If he is spending 30 mins or more on a discharge he has to document the time.

 

[FTessaBartels]

Doctor's time or Resident's time

Is it possible that the doctor is thinking that if all s/he does is sign off on the resident's note the time over 30 minutes doesn't count?

I work for a Pediatric Surgery service, but we are part of an academic program, and always have residents. We certainly use 99239 when the faculty MD documents time over 30 minutes.

F Tessa Bartels, CPC, CEMC

 

[randiroyder]

Thanks

Thanks to all of you, this really helps me out. I was thinking the same as you but just wanted backup.

thanks again