Physician Visit Coding for Outpatient hosptial Services

My doctor (neurologist) sees many patients at the hospital. All intital claims go out as POS 21. We use 99291, 99223, 99233 most often for intial and followups. I run into claim denials when the patient isn't classified as inpatient but rather outpatient. What code would I use for an initial and then a follow up visit at the hosptial for a patient that is not considered an inpatient? And would these outpatient codes be reimbursable if my doc is non par with the insurance plan, without a referral/auth?

Thank you.

re: Physician Visit Coding for Outpatient hosptial Services

You use the same codes as if seen in office with the place of service outpatient hospital. The doc needs to note if the patient is Inpatient or Observation.

I will add that you may want to audit your charts. If your most common visits are the highest level codes, you may be asking for a government audit. It is also rare for a neurologist to bill for critical care services. Just a word of advice.

As to reimbursement, they should pay since place is outpatient hospital and not office.