Wiki 1 day observation rules

[melissalynnfalkowski]

Ok question.
If a pt is admitted to observation on mon at 7 pm
My dr does not see him until tues at 8 am, and does the admission and discharge and pt is discharged before 7 pm
do they bill admit discharge same day?
or jsut discharge
Its under 24 hours but not sure if it needs to be same calendar day?
Thank you

 

[Cynthia Hughes]

Here is what CPT Assistant has said about this:

If the documentation clearly supports that an initial observation assessment was performed and discharge services were also performed, then an appropriate level code from the Observation or Inpatient Care Services (Including Admission and Discharge Services) series (99234-99236) may be appropriate. CPT reporting of initial assessments is based on the date of the face-to-face assessment, not the date of admission or designation of a status by a facility upon physician order.

Hope that helps.