Gastroenterology Coding Alert

The CPT manual defines the three levels of subsequent hospital care as follows:

99231 subsequent hospital care, per day, for the evaluation and management of a patient, which requires at least two of these three key components: a problem-focused interval history, a problem-focused examination, and 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 patients and/or familys needs.

Usually, the patient is stable, recovering or improving. Physicians typically spend 15 minutes at the bedside and on the patients hospital floor or unit.


99232 subsequent hospital care, per day, for the evaluation and management of a patient, which requires at least two of these three key components: an expanded problem-focused interval history, an expanded problem-focused examination, and medical decision-making of moderate complexity.

Counseling and/or coordination of care with other providers or agencies are provided consistent with the nature of the problem(s) and the patients and/or familys needs.

Usually, the patient is responding inadequately to therapy or has developed a minor complication. Physicians typically spend 25 minutes at the bedside or on the patients hospital floor or unit.


99233 subsequent hospital care, per day, for the evaluation and management of a patient, which requires at least two of these three key components: a detailed interval history, a detailed examination, and medical decision-making of high complexity.

Counseling and/or coordination of care with other providers or agencies are provided consistent with the nature of the problem(s) and the patients and/or familys needs.

Usually, the patient is unstable or has developed a significant complication or a significant new problem. Physicians typically spend 35 minutes at the bedside and on the patients hospital floor or unit.