I am confused on this topic as I have seen conflicting information
Pt presents to ER. Initial H&P is done and pt is placed in Observation. (I bill for Phys A who did the initial observation.) Pt is in observation for 24 hours. On day 2, 3, 4 whatever the patient is admitted as IP. At this point we charge an initial IP visit for Phys A rather than an Initial observation visit. Is this correct?
It was always my understanding that we wait until the patient is either DC from observation or admitted before charging for Phys A services. If the patient is DC from observation on day 2 (or day 1 or day 3...doesn't really matter) then we obviously charge the initial observation for Phys A.
Now I am hearing that regardless of the fact that the patient is admitted on day 2, 2, 4 or whatever, we should still be charging an initial observation visit.
Thoughts??
Pt presents to ER. Initial H&P is done and pt is placed in Observation. (I bill for Phys A who did the initial observation.) Pt is in observation for 24 hours. On day 2, 3, 4 whatever the patient is admitted as IP. At this point we charge an initial IP visit for Phys A rather than an Initial observation visit. Is this correct?
It was always my understanding that we wait until the patient is either DC from observation or admitted before charging for Phys A services. If the patient is DC from observation on day 2 (or day 1 or day 3...doesn't really matter) then we obviously charge the initial observation for Phys A.
Now I am hearing that regardless of the fact that the patient is admitted on day 2, 2, 4 or whatever, we should still be charging an initial observation visit.
Thoughts??