ER visit versus outpatient

[kc-george]

My orthopedics surgeron saw a patient in the ER for cellulitis. The patient remained "ER" status only, and was not admitted. He was new. Would I bill 99201-05, or could I bill 99281-5 as the patient remained in the ER?

Thanks in advance.

 

[cherylann.knighton]

HI!
I bill 99281-99285 per CMS website.

 

[kc-george]

Thank you for the feedback.

 

[kc-george]

On thing I neglected to mention, and it will probablt not change, but do you beleive this to be the case even though the ER doc first saw the patient, and then requested ortho? I apologize, I should have disclosed that.

 

[mitchellde]

no it does not change the answer you use the ER levels.