• If this is your first visit, be sure to check out the FAQ & read the forum rules. To view all forums, post or create a new thread, you must be an AAPC Member. If you are a member and have already registered for member area and forum access, you can log in by clicking here. If you've forgotten the password it can be reset on our sign in section by entering your registered Email Address or Username here. To start viewing messages, select the forum that you want to visit from the selection below..

Wiki Observation Services

Create Wiki
L

lboyenger88

New
Messages
1
Location
Monetta, SC
Best answers
0
Per Medicare guidelines, only the ordering physician is allowed to bill observation codes. All other physicians who furnish consults or additional evaluations/services must bill the appropriate outpatient service codes. In our particular case, another physician order observation status. Our physician performed the discharge and insists on using a discharge code (99217 Observation Care DC / 99238 Hospital DC). Unable to code 99238, patient was not admitted as inpatient. And I did not think he could use an observation code (99217) since he was not the ordering physician. I am looking for clarification as I am unable to find guidelines pertaining directly to the discharge of a patient from OBS status by the non-ordering physician. Am I correct in thinking he is to choose a level of service 99212 - 99215?

Thank you in advance for any help!
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Top