Ob-Gyn Coding Alert

Question: I need some clarification on the use of observation codes when my ob-gyn sees a patient for labor and delivery. We currently use codes 99234-99236, but should we be using 99218-99220 or even 99211-99215?Wyoming SubscriberAnswer: If the ob-gyn admits and discharges her from observation care on the same day, you use 99234-99236 (Observation or inpatient hospital care, for the evaluation and management of a patient including admission and discharge on the same date, which requires these 3 key components ...). You would only use 99218-99220 (Initial observation care, per day, for the evaluation and management of a patient which requires these 3 key components ...) if she was in observation for more than one day. You would report the outpatient codes (99211-99215, Office or other outpatient visit ...) when the ob-gyn sees her in the labor and delivery department but observation is not required before she is sent home. [...]