Wiki Hospital Discharge question

[aarnold13]

I want to ask everyone's opinion on the best way to handle this question from the provider. Patient admitted to hospital, dr. performed H& P charged 99222
that night patient passed, the next a.m. Dr. did a dishage summary and appropriate paper work. Can she charge for the Discharge even though she did not see the patient personally?

 

[FTessaBartels]

Discharge for deceased patient

Only the physician who is physically present to declare the patient dead can bill the discharge.

I would say your physician cannot charge for completing paperwork (especially if s/he performed that task the day AFTER the patient expired).

F Tessa Bartels, CPC, CEMC