I need help! I am an OBGYN coder.
2 Auditors/Consultants visited our office today sent by our billing office. They are telling me that I can code ED visits for the Labor and Delivery ward in the hospital when patients come in through the ED or sent from the ED. I explained that according to CMS the L&D unit is not considered an ED dept (no signs indicating this is an ED, no signs for public to see outside of facility and can not treat all types of patients) therefore i can not code an ED visit. They told me according to EMTALA as long as there is enough documenatation i can code an ED visit. I still dont think this is true and stand by what i say. Has anyone else heard this before or have any insight on this issue?
2 Auditors/Consultants visited our office today sent by our billing office. They are telling me that I can code ED visits for the Labor and Delivery ward in the hospital when patients come in through the ED or sent from the ED. I explained that according to CMS the L&D unit is not considered an ED dept (no signs indicating this is an ED, no signs for public to see outside of facility and can not treat all types of patients) therefore i can not code an ED visit. They told me according to EMTALA as long as there is enough documenatation i can code an ED visit. I still dont think this is true and stand by what i say. Has anyone else heard this before or have any insight on this issue?