Gastroenterology Coding Alert

Hint: Do not use discharge code 99217 in all observation situations.Sometimes deciding on what observation code to use can be a challenge, especially because you have to look into two sets of this type. One set (99234-99236) pertains to the care provided on a single calendar date, while another set concerns care that spans two calendar dates (99218-99220).Find out the criteria for observation codes' use for physician services by debunking these 3 fallacies.Fallacy 1: Observation Services Support Extended Inpatient CareYou would want to make sure -- first and foremost -- that the service performed by your gastroenterology qualifies as an observation. The physician should opt for observation services to potentially prevent a lengthy inpatient admission. For instance, an observation status is appropriate when:The encounter lacks diagnostic certainty, where a more precise diagnosis could decide admission or discharge;The patient's condition needs extensive therapy in order to possibly be abated.Example: The gastroenterology sees a [...]