Wiki OBSERVATION BILLING- please help asap

[NHAMBLIN010982]

When looking at the differences between coding from code set 99234- 99236 (same day admit/discharge) and code set 99218-20 (initial day) and 99217 (discharge day) how is same day defined? is it calendar date? so if someone was admitted for observation at 11:50 pm and discharge the next calendar day at 9:50pm would this be an example for initial day / discharge day? or would this be considered same day because its within 24 hours?

This is for physician billing only

 

[ASH527]

observation

as I read it in the cpt book observation is not categorized as "24 hours" but as if the pt is admitted & discharged on the "same date" or a "different date" - hope this helps

 

[NHAMBLIN010982]

Thanks that is how i am understanding it as well