Billing office visit before admission

Question: Our podiatrist saw a patient for a wound care visit and documented the need for a direct admission to the hospital in regard to the wound. Podiatrists cannot admit to the hospital; a hospitalist or primary care physician must admit for him. Can we report an E/M visit for the podiatrist even though the patient was admitted to the hospital on the same day?

Delaware Subscriber


Answer: If the podiatrist saw the patient in your office, you can bill for the office visit regardless of the hospital admission. Choose the most appropriate code from 99201-99205 (Office or other outpatient visit for the evaluation and management of a new patient ...) or 99211-99215 (Office or other outpatient visit for the evaluation and management of an established patient ...), depending on whether the patient is new or established.