Please - any guildline advice on providers billing an ER charge with OBV charges.
---- OBV = observation.
We have a discussion in regards to if it matters when a patient is seen less than 24 hours - when they come in by ER. Is this claim reimbursed has an ER, or is the claim consider OBSERVATION since a observation code was bill.
Most carriers that I have worked with guidelines states that as long as an a 760 - observation is billed then the claim is considered observation, not ER. BUT, does time matter?
If a patient status changes to OBV and is in OBV for 3 hours, or 6 hours, less then 24 hours, is this claim considered still an ER bill? Since the OBV hours were not "up to 24 to 48 hours" does this mean the claim is an ER and not a OBV stay?
The patient is moved to OBV, the status changes correct?
Or does it matter on the REV code / Or is this coding/reimbursement dicated by the carrier? Meaning that each carrier is different - there is no global guildelines they have to follow.
760
Treatment/observation room
761
Treatment room
762
Observation room
769
treat/observation room - other
Thank you so very much for your time.
TiffanyM.