You Be the Coder: Is 81001 POS Dependent?

Why This Topic Matters

Outpatient coding often depends on both the service provided and the setting in which it occurs. This article helps readers understand the scope of a common coding question involving visit reporting, diagnostic testing, and updated place-of-service distinctions.

Article Sections

1. Question

   Introduces a billing question about reporting an outpatient evaluation and management visit with a urinalysis service in different place-of-service settings.

2. Answer

   Explains the article’s general response regarding reporting considerations for the testing service and the office/outpatient visit in the settings discussed.

3. Caveat

   Provides a general note about practice resources and equipment as they relate to whether the testing service can be reported in a given location.

4. Effective Jan. 1, 2016, and implemented Jan. 4, 2016

   Summarizes a date-based update introducing revised outpatient place-of-service categories and their broad descriptors.