Pediatric Coding Alert

'Normal' newborn codes may not always be the most appropriate for your patients. CPT® maintains a large number of available codes for initial newborn services, making it a challenge to always select the right one. If you find yourself getting tripped up by the multiple categories, read on for some expert tips and real-world examples that will point you in the right direction. 'Normal' Care Refers to No Additional Diagnoses A "normal" newborn has no abnormal medical conditions or need for special care. Report a normal newborn's history and examination with 99460 (Initial hospital or birthing center care, per day, for evaluation and management of normal newborn infant). Initial newborn care for a normal infant typically includes a maternal and/or fetal and newborn history; a newborn physical examination; ordering diagnostic tests and treatments; meetings with the family; and documentation in the medical record. Diagnosis tip: When billing with 99460, include [...]