Oncology & Hematology Coding Alert

You cannot use critical care codes simply because the patient resides in an -intensive- or -critical- care unit, including coronary care units, respiratory care units, or an emergency care facility. By the same token, a patient needn't be housed in such a unit to qualify for critical care.

The bottom line: Although physicians usually end up treating critical care patients in the designated critical care unit (CCU) or intensive care unit (ICU), critical care can take place anywhere, says Valrie Hall, CCS, with Peak Health Solutions.