COMPLIANCE: Beware--An Office Visit Can't Count As A Hospital Admission

Why This Topic Matters

Misunderstanding where the history and exam occurred can lead to incorrect E/M reporting and create audit exposure. The article highlights why inpatient visits draw attention from recovery audit activity and why accurate documentation review is important.

Article Sections

1. Myth and clarification about hospital admission billing

   Introduces the billing misconception discussed in the article and clarifies the general issue involving office-based care before hospitalization.

2. Place of service and initial inpatient visit reporting

   Explains the documentation and location considerations that affect whether an office encounter or an inpatient service is reported.

3. Audit and documentation concerns

   Describes why inpatient evaluation and management services may be reviewed closely and what documentation elements are emphasized.

4. Reviewing records to confirm where care occurred

   Discusses practical record-review considerations for determining whether the patient was actually seen in the hospital.