Pediatric Coding Alert

Question: I recently sent two coders to a coding seminar, and they were told they could use 99432 for outpatient office visits for normal newborn care (instead of well codes) within the first 29 days of life. My understanding was that, although the definition of newborn fits, newborn care codes are for care provided right after birth. Is it appropriate to use CPT Code 99432 for routine office visits for a normal newborn within the first 29 days?

Arizona Subscriber

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  Answer: Your instincts are correct. Code 99432 (normal newborn care in other than hospital or birthing room setting, including physical examination of baby and conference[s] with parent[s]) is meant for care provided immediately after birth, and not for preventive medicine services. This code was created for situations in which a pediatrician visits the home where a baby was born, or in which a baby born at home is brought to the pediatricians office. As a general rule, if the initial newborn history and exam were conducted in the hospital, do not code 99432 for subsequent office visits. Instead, code preventive medicine services (99381).