observation codes

When billing observation codes for a 3 day observation status (99218 x2 and 99217) what place of service is used? Outpt or Inpt ?

Oct 7th, 2009 - nmaguire 2,606

observation

You cannot bill 99218 x 2. Observation is an outpatient service and these codes may be billed only once by admitting physician (99218-99220). The admit to Observation day is either code 99218, 99219, or 99220. The second day is an E/M outpatient code (99212-99215), as appropriate. The discharge day is 99217.

Oct 8th, 2009 - Codapedia Editor 1,399

Observation

Outpatient place of service for OBS.