Observation Services 2024 – New Codes and New Guidelines!

Recently, significant changes were made to Observation codes, leading to confusion among medical coders. The integration of Observation codes with hospital initial care codes has raised several questions and challenges for coders. Questions such as when to use which codes, what to do when a patient is in observation and then admitted, and which physicians can bill for observation codes have become more common following the changes in CPT.

To address these challenges, industry expert Jill M. Young will lead a webinar aimed at providing attendees with valuable insight and understanding of these coding challenges. This interactive session will offer participants the opportunity to ask tough situational questions and gain clarity on the complexities of observation coding.

Webinar Objectives

• Clarify Coding Guidelines: Understand the updated coding guidelines for Observation codes, including when and how to use them in different scenarios.
• Address Common Coding Challenges: Learn how to navigate common coding challenges, such as coding for extended observation services and situations where a patient is admitted to observation and then admitted to the hospital.
• Physician Billing Practices: Gain insights into physician billing practices for observation services and ensure compliance with regulatory requirements.
• Interactive Q&A Session: Participate in an interactive Q&A session to ask specific situational questions and receive expert guidance on observation coding.
• Enhance Coding Accuracy: Learn strategies to enhance coding accuracy and minimize errors in observation coding.
• Stay Updated on Industry Changes: Stay informed about recent changes in Observation codes and how they impact coding practices in healthcare facilities.

Webinar Highlights

• Were any observation codes deleted?
• Which observation services were integrated into the initial care codes?
• Which physicians can bill for observation services?
• What codes should be used when observation services go over the date line?
• What codes should be used for a patient admitted to observation that is later admitted to the hospital?
• Can observation services be performed as split shared visits?
• Can consultations be billed from observation?

Who Should Attend

Coders, Billers, Administrators, Physicians, Nurse Practitioners, Physician Assistants