I could use some help and opinions on what would qualify as a 99477 for NICU coding. This is the code when the newborn needs "intensive monitoring, but is not critical". The code definition that I've found says baby requires "intensive cardiac and respiratory monitoring, continuous or frequent vitals monitoring, heat maintenance, nutritional adjustments, lab and oxygen monitoring and constant observation by the health care team".
So my question is what defines "intensive"? Does the baby have to meet ALL these criteria? If we have a newborn who is getting frequent vital sign monitoring or head circumference monitoring (due to vacuum extraction delivery) or blood sugar monitoring , and nothing else, does that qualify as "intensive" (99477) , or would that be an E/M code? (99221-99223)
I appreciate any and all advice and opinions on this. Thanks!!
So my question is what defines "intensive"? Does the baby have to meet ALL these criteria? If we have a newborn who is getting frequent vital sign monitoring or head circumference monitoring (due to vacuum extraction delivery) or blood sugar monitoring , and nothing else, does that qualify as "intensive" (99477) , or would that be an E/M code? (99221-99223)
I appreciate any and all advice and opinions on this. Thanks!!