Oncology & Hematology Coding Alert

Question: I have trouble determining how to code professional encounter services for a patient who was in observation, then admitted to the hospital, and then discharged. How would I report: observation August 20, admitted August 21, and discharged August 22? Also, should I list place of service as inpatient or observation?Pennsylvania SubscriberAnswer: If the same practitioner admits an observation patient to inpatient status on a subsequent day, you may bill as follows:Day 1: Bill the observation using an initial observation care code (99218-99220, Initial observation care, per day, for the evaluation and management of a patient ...). The place of service should be 22 (Outpatient hospital).Day 2: Bill the visit on the hospital inpatient admission date using an initial hospital care code (99221-99223, Initial hospital care, per day, for the evaluation and management of a patient ...). The place of service should be 21 (Inpatient hospital).Note that CPT® does not [...]