msnbabs001
Contributor
I am reviewing a providers coding and noticed he is billing 99212 for subsequent observation. My initial thought is that this is not correct and he should be billing subsequent observation codes. After some review I have read 2 different answers.
1. One post has - If the provider admitted the patient to observation it said you can bill the initial, subsequent and discharge observation codes and all other providers would bill either consult or Outpatient service codes.
a. I am not sure if these Outpatient service codes would only be 99201-99205, 99211-99215 or would they also include the subsequent observation codes.
2. Another post said you would bill initial observation with AI modifier, subsequent and discharge, just like inpatient. I don't believe AI modifier applies to observation.
I appreciate any guidance or direction you can give me.
Thank you.
1. One post has - If the provider admitted the patient to observation it said you can bill the initial, subsequent and discharge observation codes and all other providers would bill either consult or Outpatient service codes.
a. I am not sure if these Outpatient service codes would only be 99201-99205, 99211-99215 or would they also include the subsequent observation codes.
2. Another post said you would bill initial observation with AI modifier, subsequent and discharge, just like inpatient. I don't believe AI modifier applies to observation.
I appreciate any guidance or direction you can give me.
Thank you.