tci General Surgery Coding Alert - 2015 Issue 2

Reader Question: Unravel Subsequent vs. Initial for Hospital E/M

Question: On a recent claim, I used a CPT® code for subsequent hospital care to report my physician’s first E/M service with a new patient during their hospital stay. Will the claim be denied? Massachusetts Subscriber Answer: Keep in mind that the “new patient” concept does not apply in the hospital setting. If the physician was asked to consult on a patient with Medicare (or a payer that follows Medicare guidelines) and his documentation doesn’t support at least a 99253 (Inpatient consultation for a new or established patient, which requires these 3 key components: a detailed...

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