Wiki Observation code

[mjs1974]

I have a doctor who observed a patient in hospital. He admitted patient 99222. Observed for 4 days 99224. Discharged 99239. POS is 21. Is this correct? Should the observation code be different?

 

[clopez]

The scenario is a bit confusing since you state he admitted the patient reporting 99222 which is a Hospital admission, then observed for 4 days and discharged with a Inpatient discharge code. If the intent was to observe the patient the entire stay the appropriate codes to use for the observation admission are 99218-99220, Subsequent observation care 99224-99226 with discharge 99217 Place of service code 22.

I would clarify with the provider the true status of the patient.

 

[imani1133]

Hi,
If pt was admitted by the physician, than you would bill subsequent hospital codes 99231-99233 instead of observation codes. Place of Service 21 is correct for an admit to the hospital.