Wiki observation coding

[humairamoiz]

I am billing for a free standing ER. I have physicians admitting patients for observation and then transferring care to second physician. Sometimes even a 3rd and 4th physician is observing patient with 24 hours. Patients get discharged in less than 24 hours. Can I bill subsequent observation code for second, third or 4th physician and discharge for the one who is actually discharging patient? any feedbacks will be greatly appreciated.

Huma

 

[Siva03]

As per guidelines only one E&M service can be billed for a patient in a given DOS. In ye scenario, IF u bill for the facility, u have to code 99234-99236 which ever is appropriate. But when it comes to physician billing, the physician who have performed a major work up in that patient care will have to get the payment, others cannot bill for that dos.


Thanks,
sivakumar