Cardiology Coding Alert

Soon you'll have initial, subsequent, and discharge options.Last month's issue of Cardiology Coding Alert reported the addition of three new "subsequent observation care" codes. Here are the definitions:99224 -- Subsequent observation care, per day, for the evaluation and management of a patient, which requires at least 2 of these 3 key components: Problem focused interval history; Problem focused examination; Medical decision making that is straightforward or of low complexity. Counseling and/or coordination of care with other providers or agencies are provided consistent with the nature of the problem(s) and the patient's and/or family's needs. Usually, the patient is stable, recovering, or improving. Physicians typically spend 15 minutes at the bedside and on the patient's hospital floor or unit 99225 -- ... An expanded problem focused interval history; An expanded problem focused examination; Medical decision making of moderate complexity.Counseling and/or coordination of care with other providers or agencies are provided consistent with the nature [...]