tci ED Coding & Reimbursement Alert - 2000 Issue 8

Reader Question: Observation Care

Question: Is it necessary that a patient be located in a designated observation area to use observation care codes 99234, 99235 and 99236? What should we do in an emergency room (ER) without a designated area provided serial assessments are done? Codes 99218, 99219, 99220 and 99217 do not require a designated area. Do the same rules apply with 99234, et al.?Barbara GedwillBoston, Mass.Answer: Per the CPT guidelines, when a patient is changed to observation (OBS) status, there is no designated area where a patient must go. If the supervising physician who initiates the OBS status performs...

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