Wiki Admission from the office

[nc_coder]

If a physician sees a patient in the office and decides to admit them to the hospital at that time, should we code the office visit or the admission? Let's say he dictates an office note and also dictates an admission note at the hospital. I have one physician that says to see which one is reimbursed at a higher rate by the patient's insurance. I'm not so sure that is the right thing to do. I would appreciate any opinions.

 

[FTessaBartels]

CPT says admission

CPT tells us specifically to code the admission, including the work of the office visit (or other encounter) in determining the level of the Initial Hospital Visit. (CPT 2009 Professional edition, page 12, top of right column)

F Tessa Bartels, CPC, CEMC

 

[nc_coder]

Thank you so much. I knew it was in there somewhere.