Podiatry Coding & Billing Alert

Question: Our podiatrist saw a patient for a wound care visit and documented the need for a direct admission to the hospital in regard to the wound. Podiatrists cannot admit to the hospital; a hospitalist or primary care physician must admit for him. Can we report an E/M visit for the podiatrist even though the patient was admitted to the hospital on the same day?

Delaware Subscriber

Answer: If the podiatrist saw the patient in your office, you can bill for the office visit regardless of the hospital admission. Choose the most appropriate code from 99201-99205 (Office or other outpatient visit for the evaluation and management of a new patient ...) or 99211-99215 (Office or other outpatient visit for the evaluation and management of an established patient ...), depending on whether the patient is new or established.

The physician who admits the patient to the hospital will bill for that admission.