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

Why This Topic Matters

Observation claims are closely reviewed, and errors can affect compliance and reimbursement. The article helps readers understand the broad areas of coding attention involved in these services.

Article Sections

1. Billing considerations for observation encounters

   Introduces the setting in which observation services are being used more frequently and why claims for these services are receiving greater attention.

2. Office visit and observation reporting

   Discusses how an initial office evaluation may relate to subsequent observation care and the general reporting issue involved.

3. Same-day observation admission and discharge

   Covers the general situation in which a patient is admitted to observation and discharged on the same date, along with the associated reporting topic.

4. Subsequent-date discharge reporting

   Addresses observation care that extends to a later date and the separate discharge reporting topic.

5. Transition from observation to inpatient status

   Notes the change in status from observation to inpatient care and the broader coding distinction involved.