OBSERVATION CODING: Observation Stays Are on the Rise -- 4 Tips Help Code Them

Article Overview

This article explains general observation coding issues for Part B and hospital claims as observation stays become more common and more closely reviewed. It discusses the broad billing situations that arise when a patient is seen in the office, placed in observation, discharged on a later date, or converted to inpatient status. The piece is aimed at coders and billing staff who work with CPT-based evaluation and management services and need to understand the topic scope before reading the full guidance.