2010 consult crosswalk

Hi Betsy,
For the consults done in the ED we used the outpatient code set 99241-99245. Why would we use ED codes (99281-99285) rather than the outpatient/OBS admit codes 99218-99220?
Thank you

depends if they are admitted

If seen in ED and sent home, use the ED codes, if placed on Obs the attending uses the Obs codes and consultants use outpatient new/established pt codes. If admitted use initial hospital codes.
Read the CMS transmittal for details- the Observation visits with "consultant" docs is explained

2010 Crosswalk

Of course, why in coding is because: that's what CMS says!

Seriously, though, if you are the patient's physician, and see the patient in the ED, you will bill ED codes.

If you admit the patient to OBS status, OBS codes. If you see the patient in OBS but are not the attending, use office/outpatient visit codes.