Facility coding versus physician coding

Hello,

I am a medical coding auditor for our nephrology practice. I am a little confused when it comes to which set of coding guidelines my physicians need to follow when they are treating patients in the inpatient setting.

They do their own billing (99291, 99223, etc). They also assign the ICD-9 codes to the patients they treat in the hospital.

I have read that facility coding rules for the hospital and physician coding rules in the inpatient setting are different, can you explain to me how they are different and how I should be teaching my physicians how to code? Whether they follow (outpatient/office guidelines or facility guidelines)?

Thank you!

re: Facility coding versus physician coding

The physicians bill what they do using the CPT® codes for inhospital services. The I-9 code(s) fo each date of service is "why they are seeing the patient". Facility is when the hospital bills it's fee for room and board, DRG, etc. Teach the physician the CPT® codes and what is required.

re: Facility coding versus physician coding

Thank you.. will respond later :)