Two Encounters

[jas0426]

Okay, quick questions on how others would handle this. We are an outpatient hospital facility (Infusion Center). IF a patient comes in and recieves infusion. Then goes downstairs for imaging, labs, etc, and then returns for more infusion, would you consider this "two seperate encounters" and bill two initial infusion codes or just one. Patient was already accessed in the first encounter and heplock done for pt to return.

Thanks,
Jeni

 

[traci.susong@gmail.com]

I would think it is two encounters with the second encounter including a -59 modifier.

 

[mitchellde]

If it is the same substance I would consider a 76 on the second one

 

[traci.susong@gmail.com]

I pose this exact question to the hospital's consultant and it would be one encounter unless the patient left the building. This example would be an interuption of service