Introduction
Different codes are implemented in different organizations, such as codes of ethics, billings, etc. Similarly, in healthcare organizations, some codes of inpatient billing have been implemented. These codes usually indicate the condition of the patient, such as locating the symptom or injury. The billing codes help support the medical billing where it explains why a patient is seeking medical services and what is the reason behind the injury.
An inpatient billing cheat sheet has been used to encounter the patient and the admitting physician for the inpatient billing purpose. The old codes for inpatient billing were 99251-99255, but after the introduction of new codes, these old codes were not accepted by Medicare. So, the new codes for inpatient billing in healthcare organizations are 99221-99223.
Importance of Codes for Inpatient Billing
Medical billing and coding play an essential role in medical offices and hospitals. We know that medical facilities are dependent on insurance providers and many other healthcare programs for the sake of funding. The insurance companies earn a lot of money by charging those people who are holding policies.
Whenever a patient visits a hospital or any other healthcare providers center, he is provided with immediate care. The medical facility consists of the information that is needed to be documented. Accurate coding makes sure that the patients are not paying more for a single procedure than they should. Plus, it makes sure that the patient is being charged for the correct services.
Medical Billing and Patient Care
Codes for inpatient billing plays a vital role in medicine because these codes contain information related to equipment, medications, procedures, treatments, and diagnoses. It also translates this information into alphanumeric codes. All this information is collected from different sources such as medical notes, radiologic assessments, urinalysis, blood work, electronic records, and transcriptions.
Medical professionals play a vital role in transferring these codes from different sources to patients’ records and medical billing systems. You should know that coding is required to submit medical claims with insurers. Undoubtedly, having the proper medical coding ensures that all the insurers have the diagnostic codes necessary for appropriate payment.
Codes of Inpatient Billing for Efficient Payment Flow
Medical billing or codes of inpatient billing play a vital role in ensuring efficient payment flow. All the medical billers need to understand different medical rules and regulations and public and private insurance plan policies. Specialized knowledge is required for bill adjustments, posting payments, and claim denial resolution.
New Codes of Inpatient Billing
The new codes of inpatient billing are from 99221 to 99233. The description of some of these codes has been enlisted below:
- 99221
This code of inpatient billing consists of three components, i.e., detailed examination, medical decision making that is low complexity or straightforward, and comprehensive history. The physicians spend about thirty minutes at the bedside of the patient.
The patient does not pay for both E/M services. Plus, he does not pay for an emergency visit by the same physician on the same date of service. All the services provided by the physician are included in the initial hospital care services.
- 99222
This code of inpatient billing is similar to that of 99222. The significant difference is that the physician spends about fifty minutes at the bedside of the patient and on the patient’s hospital floor or unit. The needs of the patient and his family are fulfilled with the coordination of care with other agencies and providers.
Initial hospital care on the day following visit carriers pay for both visits of the patient, i.e., the day when the patient is seen in the office and the day when he gets admitted.
- 99223
According to this code of inpatient billing, the physician spends about seventy minutes at the bedside of the patient. The patient is provided with excellent healthcare services. His medical needs are fulfilled along with his family’s needs.
The hospital pays for the care of the patient if the patient is admitted and discharged on the same day. The patient does not need to pay the hospital discharge management code on the date of admission. The patient can also ask the physician not to charge for both the hospital discharge management code and initial hospital care code on the same date.
Characteristics of a Cheat Sheet
The inpatient billing cheat sheet must be enriched with the following characteristics or attributes:
- Error Free Claim
A cheat sheet must be able to cover all the steps that are related to filing a clean error-free claim. This medical claim must be free of mistakes and should consist of additional information. It must also consist of a procedure code and the supporting diagnosis code.
- Consists of Coding Acronyms
The cheat sheet must consist of some coding and billing acronyms which are quite common. It helps to save a lot of time. Some standard abbreviations are EDI, HIPAA, CMS, EOB, HMO, WC, POS, and many more.
FAQs
- What is meant by inpatient in a billing cheat sheet?
Inpatient is referred to as the person admitted to the hospital to get medical treatment.
- What are the latest codes of inpatient medical billing?
The latest codes of inpatient medical billing range from 99221 to 99233. The codes from 99221 to 99226 are related to initial hospital inpatient care services, and codes from 99231 to 99233 are related to subsequent hospital care services.
- What does the required documentation for a consulting visit include?
It includes a verbal or written request from the physician, a written report, and recommendations by the consulting physician.
Conclusion
The inpatient billing cheat sheet is widespread in the healthcare sector. It consists of all the information related to the patient and medical services provided to the patient. It helps in billing purposes. The acronyms play a vital role in medical billing and documentation. The medical codes are introduced for different medical purposes.
