What is the difference between 99238 and 99239?
There are two Procedure Codes associated with hospital care discharge services. Procedure Code 99238 represents less than 30 minutes spent on the discharge and Procedure Code 99239 which is greater than 30 minutes spent on the discharge.
What does CPT code 99239 mean?
Hospital Discharge Day Management Service
The Hospital Discharge Day Management Service (CPT code 99238 or 99239) is a face-to-face evaluation and management (E/M) service with the patient and his/her attending physician.
Who can bill 99239?
CPT 99238 Description: The medical provider spends less than 30 minutes (in)directly with the patient. CPT 99238 may be used when services are offered on the day that the patient gets discharged from the hospital. CPT 99239 Description: The medical provider spends more than 30 minutes (in)directly with the patient.
Is CPT 99239 inpatient or outpatient?
CPT codes 99234-99236, observation or inpatient care, are used when the patient is placed in observation status or admitted to inpatient status and then discharged on the same date. All services provided on the day of discharge from inpatient status are coded 99238 or 99239.
How many RVU do I need for 99239?
Work (wRVU) and Total (tRVU) List For Hospitalist E/M CPT Codes.
| CPT® description 2011 TABLE | CPT® | tRVU |
|---|---|---|
| <30 minutes in-patient discharge | 99238 | 2.04 |
| >30 minutes in-patient discharge | 99239 | 2.99 |
| observation discharge | 99217 | 2.04 |
| critical care initial | 99291 | 6.4 |
Does CPT 99239 need a modifier?
Effective January 1, 1995 all evaluation and management services provided on the same day as inpatient dialysis service should be denied with the exception of CPT codes 99221-99223, 99251- 99255, 99238 and 99239. These codes are separately payable using modifier “-25″.
Is 99238 a time based code?
While both codes are time-based, not all MAC carriers require documentation of time for 99238. It is imperative, however, to document the time for 99239.
Does 99239 need a modifier?
These codes are separately payable using modifier “ -25″. CPT code 99239 is also added to the list of codes that need not be reviewed.
Can you bill 99238 during global period?
Yes, the discharge is normally included in the procedure. They look at it like this: you have to admit the patient for the procedure so discharge is part of it too; on the same day. Now, if they are discharged days after or event the next day, then yes, 99238 can be billed.
How many RVU is 99238?
Code 99238 is valued for 2.06 total relative value units, and 99239 is valued for 3.02 total relative value units.