Wiki Question about hsp discharges

[leestes]

Our doctor sometimes goes to the hospital and writes discharge orders for the patient to be discharged the following morning. She might say if patient can keep food down during night, may be discharged in a.m., or patient is now stable enough to go home, discharge in a.m. She does the exam, note, face to face stuff today....but they are actually discharged tomorrow. How do I bill that?

 

[lhallstrom]

You report the discharge management services for the day the physician actually saw the patient. This service requires the physician to provide face-to-face services.

Linda Hallstrom, CPC, CEMC
Phoenix Arizona AAPC Chapter
2007-2010 Board of Directors, AAPC Chapter Assn.
480-202-3801

 

[FTessaBartels]

I'm not sure

CPT clearly states "These codes are to be utilized by the physician to report all services provided to a patient on the date of discharge ..." (emhpasis added by FTB) - from CPT 2009 professional edition, page 14 - parenthetical remark under 99239.

I would be inclined to code the appropriate level subsequent hospital visit on the last date the patient was seen and never code the DC management.

But I can see Linda Halstrom's point of view.

F Tessa Bartels, CPC, CEMC