Wiki Hospital discharge/readmit

[tkrol@washingtonfootandankle.com]

Hello,

A patient was hospitalized then discharged. Several days later she is readmitted. Do I use a initial hospital code again or is this considered a subsequent visit?

Thank you!

 

[kjbeams]

If this was a new admission it is usually billed as an initial visit.
There is a new evaluation of the patient and decision for admission along with all the paperwork and decisions for treatment.
If those decisions had been made previously it would be a subsequent visit.
Hope that helps

 

[kathleeng]

I agree. It would be a new initial hospital visit. There is typically a new treatment plan established with a readmit.