Wiki outpt labor check at hospital same as ER visit?

[mandyd]

One of my doctors states ACOG has discussed coding labor checks for OB pts at the hospital as ER visits, I've not found anything regarding this, any ideas?

 

[Bready]

If ACOG is going to get the definition of ER changed specifically for OB patients, they will have to get CMS to go along with that, but for now, as far as I know, the definition that stands is that to use the ER service codes you must provide the service in the hospital's designated emergency room or department. If the hospital has a designated ER, the doctor can charge ER code only if he/she went to the ER and saw the patient there. Otherwise, if the doc sees the patient in the labor and delivery center of the hospital it is outpatient care codes or observation care.