tci ED Coding & Reimbursement Alert - 2003 Issue 6

Reader Question : Use Common Courtesy for the Dead

Question: Our ED physician visits an admitted patient dying of cancer and declares that the patient is dead. The ED physician tells the family the news, and the nurse provides them with counseling and information they may need. Should I send the family yet another bill for the ED physician confirming the patient, or is the physician's work courtesy? Florida SubscriberAnswer: You should check with your department. Most EDs do not charge for this service. You could report subsequent hospital care (99231-99233), which includes reviewing the medical record, the results of diagnostic studies and changes in the patient's status...

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