Orthopedic Coding Alert
Reader Questions:
How to Code Elective Surgery
Published on Sun Aug 01, 1999
Question: 1. When patients are admitted for elective surgery, is it proper to code with the observation code (99219)? 2. If treatment is emergent/non-elective, does this code apply?
Anonymous ME Subscriber
Answer: 1. CPT states about observation codes: These codes are not to be utilized for post-operative recovery if the procedure is considered part of the surgical package. Therefore, it would not be appropriate to bill for observation after the surgery is performed. 2. If during the observation stay, the decision for surgery is urgently made, then it would be appropriate to code from observation services (99218-99220) with the -57 modifier (decision for surgery) attached.
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