DOA: Do You Know What to Do?

Why This Topic Matters

These scenarios can affect whether a claim is submitted, which service category is considered, and how payers view physician work in the ED and EMS setting. Understanding the article helps staff evaluate when death-related encounters may or may not generate reportable professional services.

Article Sections

1. Scenario involving EMS contact and ED pronouncement

   Introduces a case in which EMS contacts the emergency department and the patient is later pronounced dead on arrival to the ED. The discussion centers on the broad billing questions raised by this sequence of events.

2. Report In-Person Encounters

   Addresses how the article frames physician work when the patient is present in the ED and the encounter involves resuscitation-related activity. It also discusses payer handling of the service in relation to the broader ED visit.

3. Use Your Judgment About Work Performed

   Discusses how physicians and practices may think about the work involved in directing care and pronouncing death. The section presents the issue as one of determining whether any service is reportable at all.

4. Don't Bill for DOA Patients

   Covers the article's discussion of patients who arrive already dead and the general tendency not to report services in those cases. It also notes that some encounters may still involve an examination or history review, depending on circumstances.