2008 Coding Questions and Answers

2008 Coding Questions and Answers 1. An infant is born at 29 wks gestation and has RDS. His birthweight is 1200 gms. He is admitted to the NICU. It is evident that he has severe RDS and a decision is made to intubate and give a surfactant. Answer A The proper code(s): a. 99295 b. 99295, 31520-25 c. 99295, 31520, 99946 99295 represents the initial neonatal critical care code for the evaluation and management of a critically ill neonate 28 days or less. Critically ill neonates require cardiac and/or respiratory support (including ventilator or nasal CPAP when indicated), continuous or frequent vital sign monitoring, laboratory and blood gas interpretations, follow-up physician reevaluations, and constant observation by the health care team under direct physician supervision. Immediate preoperative evaluation and stabilization of neonates with life threatening surgical or cardiac conditions are included under this code (CPT 2008, page 20-21; CPT Assistant Nov 05:10; CPT Changes: An Insider s View 2005; Coding for Pediatrics 2008, page 96-99) Since the intubation and Surfactant was given in the NICU, these procedures are bundled and can not be coded separately. 2. The above infant (An infant is born at 29 wks gestation and has RDS. His birthweight is 1200 gms. He is admitted to the NICU. It is evident that he has severe RDS and a decision is made to intubate and give a surfactant.) is now in your NICU and is extubated at 24 hours of age and placed on NCPAP. He continues to receive IV fluids and is started on trophic feedings. Answer 99296 The proper code for the 2 nd day of life: a. 99296 b. 99298 c. 99299 99296 represents a subsequent inpatient neonatal critical care, per day, for the evaluation and management of a critically ill neonate 28 days or less. A critically ill neonate will require cardiac and/or respiratory support (including ventilator or nasal CPAP when indicated), continuous or frequent vital sign monitoring, laboratory and blood gas interpretations, follow-up physician reevaluations throughout a 24-hour period, and constant observation by the health care team under direct physician supervision. (CPT 2009, page 21; CPT Assistant Nov 05:10; CPT Changes: An Insider s View 2005; Coding for Pediatrics 2008, page 96-99) NCPAP can be considered a criteria for a critical baby if documentation supports the critical nature of the illness. Remember that the expression a high probably imminent or life threatening deterioration of the patient s condition should be part of the physician s note. 1

3. On day 3 of life, the infant (An infant is born at 29 wks gestation and has RDS. His birthweight is 1200 gms. He is admitted to the NICU. It is evident that he has severe RDS and a decision is made to intubate and give a surfactant) is now in a hood receiving 30% oxygen. He continues on IV fluids and advancing feeding. He is also started on caffeine for apnea. Answer A The proper code is: a. 99298 b. 99299 c. 99296 99298 represents a subsequent intensive care, per day, for the evaluation and management of the recovering low birth weight infant (present body weight less than 1500 g). Infants with present boy weight less than 1500 grams who are not critically ill but continue to require intensive cardiac and respiratory monitoring, continuous and/or frequent vital sign monitoring, continuous and/or frequent vital sign monitoring, heat maintenance, enteral and/or parenteral nutritional adjustments, laboratory and oxygen monitoring, under direct physician supervision. This is a global code and all procedures are included in the code and are not reported separately (CPT 2008, page 22; CPT Assistant 11/05:10; CPT Changes: An Insider s View 2003; Coding for Pediatrics 2008, page 100, 103, 104). This infant satisfies all the criteria for a weight-based NICU intensive care code. 99298 (<1500 grams). 4. 34 week 1950 g preterm neonate born by vaginal delivery was hypotonic in delivery room. The baby was admitted to the NICU for a Sepsis workup. The infant was not in oxygen, was normotensive and a peripheral IV was started by the nurse. The baby was started on antibiotics. Feedings started at the end of the day. The baby was on continual monitoring. Answer C The proper code is: a. 99295 b. 99223 c. 99477 99477 Initial hospital intensive care, per day, for the evaluation and management of the ill neonate, 28 days of age or less, who requires intensive observation and monitoring. Infants of any present body weight who are not critically ill but continue to require intensive cardiac and respiratory monitoring, continuous and/or frequent vital sign monitoring, heat maintenance, enteral and/or parenteral nutritional adjustments, laboratory and oxygen monitoring and constant observation by the health care team under direct physician supervision. (CPT 2008, page 35, CPT Changes: An Insiders View 2008, Coding for Pediatrics 2008, page 101-104). This baby satisfies all of the criteria for an intensive not critical admission to the NICU. 2

5. Same baby as above (34 week 1950 g preterm neonate born by vaginal delivery was hypotonic in delivery room. The baby was admitted to the NICU for a Sepsis workup. The infant was not in oxygen, was normotensive and a peripheral IV was started by the nurse. The baby was started on antibiotics. Feedings started at the end of the day. The baby was on continual monitoring.) The baby remained on antibiotics, DOL 2 6, feedings were improving but the baby was not gaining weight adequately. In addition, the baby was mildly jaundiced with a total bilirubin of 12 on day six. Answer B The proper code for day of life 2-6: a. 99233 b. 99299 c. 99232 99299 represents a subsequent intensive care, per day, for the evaluation and management of the recovering low birth weight infant (present body weight of 1500-2500g). These infants are not critically ill but continue to require intensive cardiac and respiratory monitoring, continuous and/or frequent vital sign monitoring, continuous and/or frequent vital sign monitoring, heat maintenance, enteral and/or parenteral nutritional adjustments, laboratory and oxygen monitoring, under direct physician supervision. From the information given this baby does not appear to be critical and there is not a high probability of imminent or life-threatening deterioration of the patient s condition. This patient is under constant observation by the healthcare team under direct physician supervision. (CPT 2008, page 22; CPT Assistant 11/05:10. Coding for Pediatrics 2008, page 100-104). This baby satisfies the criteria for a weight-based code, 99299 (1501-2500 grams) 6. A 36 week (2300 gram) infant is transferred back to the referral hospital after 45 days stay in the NICU. The child is on nasal cannula oxygen 0.75 lpm, NG/PO feeding and caffeine for apnea. A large volume of records accompany the infant including chest x-rays. The admitting neonatologist reviews all the records and then does a comprehensive physical exam and medical decision making of moderate complexity. Total time spent on admitting this child was 2 hours. The neonatologists in each hospital are in different groups. Answer A The proper code(s) for the neonatologist in the referral hospital is: a. 99223 b. 99477 c. 99222, 99356, 99357 99223 represents the first hospital inpatient encounter with the patient by the admitting physician. It is an initial hospital care, per day, for the evaluation and management of a patient. The requirements include documentation of a comprehensive history, a comprehensive examination, and medical decision making of high complexity. Each component, history, physical examination and medical decision making must reach the highest level of the E/M service code. (CPT 2008, page 13; CPT Assistant Aug 04:11; Coding for Pediatrics 2008, page 94; 3

99477 Initial hospital intensive care, per day, for the evaluation and management of the ill neonate, 28 days of age or less, who requires intensive observation and monitoring. Infants of any present body weight who are not critically ill but continue to require intensive cardiac and respiratory monitoring, continuous and/or frequent vital sign monitoring, heat maintenance, enteral and/or parenteral nutritional adjustments, laboratory and oxygen monitoring and constant observation by the health care team under direct physician supervision.. (CPT 2008, page 35, CPT Changes: An Insiders View 2008, Coding for Pediatrics 2008, page 101-104). At first glance a 99477 code seems appropriate as the baby satisfies the criteria for an intensive care admission. However, the infant is more than 28 days of age and the 99477 code is restricted to babies 28 days or less. Therefore the 99223 code reflecting a high complexity illness is chosen. 7. A 36 week (2300 gram) infant is transferred back to the referral hospital after 25 days stay in the NICU. The child is on nasal cannula oxygen 0.75 lpm, NG/PO feeding and caffeine for apnea. A large volume of records accompany the infant including chest x-rays. The admitting neonatologist reviews all the records and then does a comprehensive physical exam and medical decision making of moderate complexity. Total time spent on admitting this child was 2 hours. The neonatologists in each hospital are in different groups. Answer B The proper code(s) for the neonatologist in the referral hospital is: a. 99223 b. 99477 c. 99222, 99356, 99357 99223 represents the first hospital inpatient encounter with the patient by the admitting physician. It is an initial hospital care, per day, for the evaluation and management of a patient. The requirements include documentation of a comprehensive history, a comprehensive examination, and medical decision making of high complexity. Each component, history, physical examination and medical decision making must reach the highest level of the E/M service code. (CPT 2008, page 13; CPT Assistant Aug 04:11; Coding for Pediatrics 2008, page 94; 99477 Initial hospital intensive care, per day, for the evaluation and management of the ill neonate, 28 days of age or less, who requires intensive observation and monitoring. Infants of any present body weight who are not critically ill but continue to require intensive cardiac and respiratory monitoring, continuous and/or frequent vital sign monitoring, heat maintenance, enteral and/or parenteral nutritional adjustments, laboratory and oxygen monitoring and constant observation by the health care team under direct physician supervision.. (CPT 2008, page 35, CPT Changes: An Insiders View 2008, Coding for Pediatrics 2008, page 101-104). This example reflects a intensive not critical baby of less than 28 days of age and therefore the 99477 code is correct. 4

8. A 10 week old now 1600 grams, former 24 week infant requires laser surgery for ROP. The baby is on nasal cannula oxygen.5lpm 30 %. The ophthalmologist requests that you provide the sedation for the infant. You give the infant Ketamine and Versed and monitor the infant s vital signs during the 45 minute procedure. A repeat dose of Ketamine is needed. You continue to monitor the infant for 15 minutes after the procedure is completed and document all of your interactions in the medical record. Answer C The proper codes are: a. 99299, 99143, 99145 x 2 b. 99299, 99149, 99150 x 2 c. 99299, 99148, 99150 x 2 99299 represents a subsequent intensive care, per day, for the evaluation and management of the recovering low birth weight infant (present body weight of 1500-2500g). These infants are not critically ill but continue to require intensive cardiac and respiratory monitoring, continuous and/or frequent vital sign monitoring, continuous and/or frequent vital sign monitoring, heat maintenance, enteral and/or parenteral nutritional adjustments, laboratory and oxygen monitoring, under direct physician supervision. From the information given this baby does not appear to be critical and there is not a high probability of imminent or life-threatening deterioration of the patient s condition. This patient is under constant observation by the healthcare team under direct physician supervision. (CPT 2008, page 22;CPT Assistant 11/05:10. Coding for Pediatrics 2008, page 100-104). 99143 Moderate sedation services provided by the same physician performing the diagnostic or therapeutic service that the sedation supports, requiring the presence of an independent trained observer to assist in the monitoring of the patient s level of consciousness and physiological status; younger than 5 years of age. CPT 2008, page 435. Coding for Pediatrics 2008, page 121 99145 each additional 15 minutes intra-service time (list separately in addition to code for primary service). Use code 99145 in conjunction with codes 99143 and 99144. CPT 2008, page 435. Coding for Pediatrics 2008, page 121 99148 Moderate sedeation services provided by a physician other than the health care professional performing the diagnostic or therapeutic service that the sedation supports; younger than 5 years of age, first 30 minutes intra-service time. CPT 2008, page 435. Coding for Pediatrics 2008, page 121. 99149 age 5 years or older, first 30 minutes intra-service time. CPT 2008, page 435. Coding for Pediatrics 2008, page 121 99150 each additional 15 minutes intra-service time (list separately in addition to code for primary service.) Use code 99150 in conjunction with codes 99148 and 99149. CPT 2008, page 435 Coding for Pediatrics 2008, page 121 The 99299 code reflects an intensive care weight-based code of an infant 1501-2500 grams. The 99148 moderate sedation code is used for the neonatologist is providing the sedation for the ophthalmologist. This code is utilized for a child under 5 years of age and reflects the first 30 minutes of moderate sedation. 99159 is utilized for each additional 15 minutes in a patient under 5 years of age. 5

9. Baby girl Laurel is born at 33 weeks weighing 1550 grams and has mild respiratory distress. Dr. Hardy evaluates the baby. The baby is requiring low flow nasal cannula at 30% oxygen. She is placed on a cardiorespiratory monitor and continuous pulse oximetry, capillary blood gases, chest x-ray, CBC and blood cultures are done. Antibiotics are started, as well as, intravenous fluids. The first blood sugar is low and Dr. Hardy orders a bolus of IV dextrose to be given. Dr. Hardy re-evaluates her four hours after admission and she has stabilized on 25% oxygen after transiently needing 45%. Her blood sugar is also stabilized and Dr. Hardy orders trophic feeds to be given. Answer - C The proper code for the 1 st day is: a. 99295 b. 99223 c. 99477 99477 Initial hospital intensive care, per day, for the evaluation and management of the ill neonate, 28 days of age or less, who requires intensive observation and monitoring. Infants of any present body weight who are not critically ill but continue to require intensive cardiac and respiratory monitoring, continuous and/or frequent vital sign monitoring, heat maintenance, enteral and/or parenteral nutritional adjustments, laboratory and oxygen monitoring and constant observation by the health care team under direct physician supervision. (CPT 2008, page 35, CPT Changes: An Insiders View 2008, Coding for Pediatrics 2008, page 101-104). The baby does not satisfy the criteria of critical and therefore the intensive non-critical code 99477 is utilized. 10. On the second day of life baby girl Laurel was weaned off oxygen but is having occasional apnea episodes. Dr. Hardy orders caffeine to be started. The pulse oximeters and monitors are continued. Parenteral nutrition is started and trophic feeds are continued. Her weight is now 1495 grams. Blood cultures are negative but antibiotics are continued. Answer - B The proper code for the 2 nd day is: a. 99299 b. 99298 c. 99232 99298 represents a subsequent intensive care, per day, for the evaluation and management of the recovering low birth weight infant (present body weight less than 1500 g). Infants with present boy weight less than 1500 grams who are not critically ill but continue to require intensive cardiac and respiratory monitoring, continuous and/or frequent vital sign monitoring, continuous and/or frequent vital sign monitoring, heat maintenance, enteral and/or parenteral nutritional adjustments, laboratory and oxygen monitoring, under direct physician supervision. This is a global code and all procedures are included in the code and are not reported separately. (CPT 2008, page 22; CPT Assistant 11/05:10; CPT Changes: An Insider s View 2003; Coding for Pediatrics 2008, page 100, 103, 104). This baby satisfies the criteria of a weight based intensive care code for an infant <1500 grams (99298) 6

11. A neonatologist is ask to consult on a 2100 gram infant with mild respiratory distress at hospital A. He spends 40 minutes with the consult and speaks with the pediatrician. The pediatrician remains the primary physician until 12 hours later when the baby deteriorates and is intubated and is transferred to hospital B for a higher level of care. The neonatologists taking care of the baby at Hospital A and Hospital B are in the same group. Answer B The proper code(s) is: a. 99477, 99295 b. 99252-25, 99295 c. 99291, 99295 99252 represents an inpatient consultation for a new or established patient, which requires these three key components: an expanded problem focused history, an expanded problem focused examination; and straightforward medical decision making. In general, an inpatient consultation code is used only once by the reporting physician for an individual hospital patient for a particular episode of care. Usually, the presenting problem(s) are of low severity. Physicians typically spend 40 minutes at the bedside and on the patient s hospital floor or unit. Both the requesting and consulting physician must document the request in the medical record. CPT 2008, page 16, CPT Assistant Sep 02:11; CPT Changes: An Insider s View 2007, Coding for Pediatrics 2008, page 86). 99295 represents the initial neonatal critical care code for the evaluation and management of a critically ill neonate 28 days or less. Critically ill neonates require cardiac and/or respiratory support (including ventilator or nasal CPAP when indicated), continuous or frequent vital sign monitoring, laboratory and blood gas interpretations, follow-up physician reevaluations, and constant observation by the health care team under direct physician supervision. Immediate preoperative evaluation and stabilization of neonates with life threatening surgical or cardiac conditions are included under this code. (CPT 2008, page 20-21; CPT Assistant Nov 05:10; CPT Changes: An Insider s View 2005; Coding for Pediatrics 2008, page 96, 97) -25 modifier represents a significant, separately identifiable E/M service by the same physician on the same day of the procedure or other service. The physician may need to indicate that on the day that this procedure or service was performed, the patient s condition required a significant separately identifiable E/M service above and beyond the other service or procedure provided. (CPT 2008 page 457; Coding for Pediatrics 2008 page 156, 157). The reason that a consult code (99252) can be used initially is due to the fact that the pediatrician remains the primary care physician, and the neonatololgist is the consultant. All of the documentation rules must be included if the consultation code is utilized. 12. A neonatologist is ask to consult on a 2100 gram infant with mild respiratory distress at hospital A. He spends 40 minutes with the consult and speaks with the pediatrician. The pediatrician transfers care to the neonatologist. Twelve hours later the baby deteriorates and is intubated and is transferred to hospital B for a higher level of care. The neonatologists taking care of the baby at Hospital A and Hospital B are in the same group. The proper code(s) is: a. 99477, 99295 b. 99295 c. 99291, 99295 7

Answer B 99295 represents the initial neonatal critical care code for the evaluation and management of a critically ill neonate 28 days or less. Critically ill neonates require cardiac and/or respiratory support (including ventilator or nasal CPAP when indicated), continuous or frequent vital sign monitoring, laboratory and blood gas interpretations, follow-up physician reevaluations, and constant observation by the health care team under direct physician supervision. Immediate preoperative evaluation and stabilization of neonates with life threatening surgical or cardiac conditions are included under this code. (CPT 2008, page 20-21; CPT Assistant Nov 05:10; CPT Changes: An Insider s View 2005; Coding for Pediatrics 2008, page 96, 97) A consult code (99252) is not used in this example since the pediatrician transferred care to the neonatologist. Although the intubation occurred at Hospital A it is bundled under the global code 99295. Since the neonatologists taking care of the baby at Hospital A and Hospital B are in the same group only one code can be placed. 13. A 2100 gram infant is admitted to hospital A for mild respiratory distress and the need for 40% hood oxygen and frequent vital signs. Twelve hours later the baby deteriorates, is intubated and is transferred to hospital B for a higher level of care. The neonatologist taking care of the baby at Hospital A and Hospital B are in different groups. Answer A The proper code(s) is: a. 99477, 99291 (for neo A), 99295(for neo B) b. 99223, 99291, 31500-59 (for neo A), 99295 (for neo B) c. 99291(for neo A), 99295 (for neo B) 99477 Initial hospital intensive care, per day, for the evaluation and management of the ill neonate, 28 days of age or less, who requires intensive observation and monitoring. Infants of any present body weight who are not critically ill but continue to require intensive cardiac and respiratory monitoring, continuous and/or frequent vital sign monitoring, heat maintenance, enteral and/or parenteral nutritional adjustments, laboratory and oxygen monitoring and constant observation by the health care team under direct physician supervision. (CPT 2008, page 35, CPT Changes: An Insiders View 2008, Coding for Pediatrics 2008, page 101-104). 99291 Critical Care, evaluation and management of the critically ill or critically injured patient; first 30-74 minutes. CPT 2008, page 20. CPT Assistant Dec 06:13. 99295 represents the initial neonatal critical care code for the evaluation and management of a critically ill neonate 28 days or less. Critically ill neonates require cardiac and/or respiratory support (including ventilator or nasal CPAP when indicated), continuous or frequent vital sign monitoring, laboratory and blood gas interpretations, follow-up physician reevaluations, and constant observation by the health care team under direct physician supervision. Immediate preoperative evaluation and stabilization of neonates with life threatening surgical or cardiac conditions are included under this code. (CPT 2008, page 20-21; CPT Assistant Nov 05:10; CPT Changes: An Insider s View 2005; Coding for Pediatrics 2008, page 96, 97) 8

Neonatologist A admits this intensive non-critical baby to Hospital A and uses a 99477 code. When the baby deteriorated and became critical the 99291 code (first 30-74 minutes is used). Although intubation is not bundled under 99291 it is bundled under 99477 and therefore a separate code for intubation (31500) was not used. Since the neonatologists are in different groups and use separate identification numbers two separate codes can be used. 14. The baby in previous example (2100 gram infant who was critical for several days) is now seven days of age and weighs 2130 grams. He is transferred back from hospital B to hospital A. The neonatologist did not supervise or go on the transfer. The baby requires continuous monitoring and there are frequent feeding adjustments. The physicians at hospital B and hospital A are in the same group. The proper code(s) is: Answer A a. 99299 b. 99299, 99477 c. 99299, 99233 99299 represents a subsequent intensive care, per day, for the evaluation and management of the recovering low birth weight infant (present body weight of 1500-2500g). These infants are not critically ill but continue to require intensive cardiac and respiratory monitoring, continuous and/or frequent vital sign monitoring, continuous and/or frequent vital sign monitoring, heat maintenance, enteral and/or parenteral nutritional adjustments, laboratory and oxygen monitoring, under direct physician supervision. From the information given this baby does not appear to be critical and there is not a high probability of imminent or life-threatening deterioration of the patient s condition. This patient is under constant observation by the healthcare team under direct physician supervision. (CPT 2008, page 22;CPT Assistant 11/05:10. Coding for Pediatrics 2008, page 100-104). Although this infant is transferred from Hospital B to Hospital A, a new admission code is not used since the neonatologists are in the same group. Therefore a follow-up, intensive care weight based code (99299) is used. If the neonatologist at Hospital B supervises or goes on the transfer a 99288 code (supervision) and 99299 code (transport) can be added. 15. The baby in previous example (2100 gram infant who was critical for several days) is now seven days of age and weighs 2130 grams. He is transferred back from hospital B to hospital A. The neonatologist did not supervise or go on the transfer. The baby requires continuous monitoring and there are frequent feeding adjustments. The physicians at hospital B and hospital A are in different groups. Answer B The proper code(s) is: a. 99299 b. 99299, 99477 c. 99299, 99233 9

99299 represents a subsequent intensive care, per day, for the evaluation and management of the recovering low birth weight infant (present body weight of 1500-2500g). These infants are not critically ill but continue to require intensive cardiac and respiratory monitoring, continuous and/or frequent vital sign monitoring, continuous and/or frequent vital sign monitoring, heat maintenance, enteral and/or parenteral nutritional adjustments, laboratory and oxygen monitoring, under direct physician supervision. From the information given this baby does not appear to be critical and there is not a high probability of imminent or life-threatening deterioration of the patient s condition. This patient is under constant observation by the healthcare team under direct physician supervision. (CPT 2008, page 22;CPT Assistant 11/05:10. Coding for Pediatrics 2008, page 100-104). 99477 Initial hospital intensive care, per day, for the evaluation and management of the ill neonate, 28 days of age or less, who requires intensive observation and monitoring. Infants of any present body weight who are not critically ill but continue to require intensive cardiac and respiratory monitoring, continuous and/or frequent vital sign monitoring, heat maintenance, enteral and/or parenteral nutritional adjustments, laboratory and oxygen monitoring and constant observation by the health care team under direct physician supervision. (CPT 2008, page 35, CPT Changes: An Insiders View 2008, Coding for Pediatrics 2008, page 101-104). This infant is transferred from Hospital B to Hospital A, and a new admission code can be used since the neonatologists are in different groups. The 99299 code is used by the neonatololgist at Hospital B, and the 99477 is used by the neonatologist at Hospital A. If the neonatologist at Hospital B supervises or goes on the transfer a 99288 code (supervision) and 99299 code (transport) can be added. 16. A 2300 gram male infant is now four weeks of age and is getting ready for discharge. The neonatologist asks for a multidisciplinary conference. The conference lasts for 40 minutes and the parents are not present. Answer - C The proper code(s): a. 99299, 99362 b. 99299, 99361 c. 99299, 99367-25 99299 represents a subsequent intensive care, per day, for the evaluation and management of the recovering low birth weight infant (present body weight of 1500-2500g). These infants are not critically ill but continue to require intensive cardiac and respiratory monitoring, continuous and/or frequent vital sign monitoring, continuous and/or frequent vital sign monitoring, heat maintenance, enteral and/or parenteral nutritional adjustments, laboratory and oxygen monitoring, under direct physician supervision. From the information given this baby does not appear to be critical and there is not a high probability of imminent or life-threatening deterioration of the patient s condition. This patient is under constant observation by the healthcare team under direct physician supervision. (CPT 2008, page 22; CPT Assistant 11/05:10. Coding for Pediatrics 2008, page 100-104). 10

99367 Medical team conference with interdisciplinary team of health care professionals, patient and/or family not present, 30 minutes or more; participation by physician. CPT 2008, page 30. CPT Changes: An Insider s View 2008. Coding for Pediatrics 2008, pages 72, 74. -25 modifier represents a significant, separately identifiable E/M service by the same physician on the same day of the procedure or other service. The physician may need to indicate that on the day that this procedure or service was performed, the patient s condition required a significant separately identifiable E/M service above and beyond the other service or procedure provided. (CPT 2008 page 457; Coding for Pediatrics 2008 page 156, 157). The 99299 weight based intensive care code reflects the code for the day in question. The team conference codes (99366-99368) are not bundled in the intensive care weight based code. The team conference codes 99361 and 99362 are deleted in 2008. Three new team conference codes 99366-99368 were established to differentiate the provider and to distinguish face-toface and non face-to-face team conference services. Medical team conferences include face-to-face participation by a minimum of 3 qualified health care professionals from different specialties or disciplines (each of whom provide direct care to the patient), with or without the presence of the patient, family member(s),community agencies, surrogate decision-maker(s) (eg, legal guardian), and/or caregiver(s). The participants are actively involved in the development, revision, coordination and implementation of health care services needed by the patient. These services may only be reported when the physician or other qualified health care professional has performed faceto-face evaluations and/or treatments that are separate from any team conference within the previous 60 days. Only one individual from the same specialty may report codes 99366-99368 for the same encounter. Reporting participants shall document their participation in the team conference as well as their contributed information and subsequent treatment recommendations. The team conference starts at the beginning of the review of an individual patient and ends at the conclusion of the review. Time related to record keeping and report generation is not reported. Regularly discharged planning rounds or conferences are not reported with these codes. These conferences are specially planned to discuss the coordination of care for children and families who are cared for in the NICU where a number of disciplines must participate to develop a plan of care. The services should note be reported with t team conference if part of a facility or organizational service that is provided under contract by an organization or facility provider. When a physician provides face-to-face service at a team conference with the parents present, a E/M code 99231-99233 is used. Team conferences of less than 30 minutes are not reported. Medical record documentation must support the participation of the physician or other qualified health care professional and the time spent from the beginning of the review of an individual patient until the conclusion of the review. A -25 modifier should be appended to the code when it is reported on the same day as E/M service to signify that a significant, separately identifiable service was provided. Medical record documentation must include the date of the conference, time spent in conference, attendees, and the issues discussed. 11

17. A 2300 gram male infant is now four weeks of age and is getting ready for discharge. The neonatologist asks for a multidisciplinary conference The conference lasts for 40 minutes and the parents are present. Answer C The proper code(s) is: a. 99299, 99367 b. 99299, 99252 c. 99299, 99232-25 99299 represents a subsequent intensive care, per day, for the evaluation and management of the recovering low birth weight infant (present body weight of 1500-2500g). These infants are not critically ill but continue to require intensive cardiac and respiratory monitoring, continuous and/or frequent vital sign monitoring, continuous and/or frequent vital sign monitoring, heat maintenance, enteral and/or parenteral nutritional adjustments, laboratory and oxygen monitoring, under direct physician supervision. From the information given this baby does not appear to be critical and there is not a high probability of imminent or life-threatening deterioration of the patient s condition. This patient is under constant observation by the healthcare team under direct physician supervision. (CPT 2008, page 22; CPT Assistant 11/05:10. Coding for Pediatrics 2008, page 100-104). 99232 represents a subsequent hospital care, per day, for the evaluation and management of a patient, which requires at least two of these three key components; an expanded problem focused interval history; an expanded problem focused examination; medial decision making of moderate complexity. (CPT 2008, page 13, CPT Assistant March 07, Coding for Pediatrics 2008, page 95). -25 modifier represents a significant, separately identifiable E/M service by the same physician on the same day of the procedure or other service. The physician may need to indicate that on the day that this procedure or service was performed, the patient s condition required a significant separately identifiable E/M service above and beyond the other service or procedure provided. (CPT 2008 page 457; Coding for Pediatrics 2008 page 156, 157). The 99299 weight based intensive care code reflects the code for the day in question. The team conference codes (99366-99368) are not bundled in the intensive care weight based code. The team conference codes 99361 and 99362 are deleted in 2008. Three new team conference codes 99366-99368 were established to differentiate the provider and to distinguish face-to-face and non face-to-face team conference services. Medical team conferences include face-to-face participation by a minimum of 3 qualified health care professionals from different specialties or disciplines (each of whom provide direct care to the patient), with or without the presence of the patient, family member(s), community agencies, surrogate decision-maker(s) (eg, legal guardian), and/or caregiver(s). The participants are actively involved in the development, revision, coordination and implementation of health care services needed by the patient. These services may only be reported when the physician or other qualified health care professional has performed face-to-face evaluations and/or treatments that are separate from any team conference within the previous 60 days. Only one individual from the same specialty may report codes 99366-99368 for the same encounter. Reporting participants shall document their participation in the team conference as well as their contributed information and 12

subsequent treatment recommendations. The team conference starts at the beginning of the review of an individual patient and ends at the conclusion of the review. Time related to record keeping and report generation is not reported. Regularly discharged planning rounds or conferences are not reported with these codes. These conferences are specially planned to discuss the coordination of care for children and families who are cared for in the NICU where a number of disciplines must participate to develop a plan of care. The services should not be reported with the team conference if part of a facility or organizational service that is provided under contract by an organization or facility provider. When a physician provides face-to-face service at a team conference with the parents present, a E/M code 99231-99233 is used. Team conferences of less than 30 minutes are not reported. Medical record documentation must support the participation of the physician or other qualified health care professional and the time spent from the beginning of the review of an individual patient until the conclusion of the review. A -25 modifier should be appended to the code when it is reported on the same day as E/M service to signify that a significant, separately identifiable service was provided. Medical record documentation must include the date of the conference, time spent in conference, attendees, and the issues discussed. 18. You are asked to attend a c-section of a 3600 gram infant. You arrive four minutes after delivery, the one minute Apgar score is 8 and you briefly examine the infant, discuss newborn care with the obstetrician and parents and document your presence. The baby is then sent to the well baby nursery. Answer B The proper code is: a. 99440 b. 99436 c. no charge 99436 represents attendance at delivery and initial stabilization of newborn. Initial drying, stimulation, suctioning, blow-by oxygen or CPAP without positive-pressure ventilation, a cursory visual inspection of the neonate are included in the physician work associated with this code. A verbal request or written order and the reason for the request from the delivering physician should be documented in the attendance note. Use of this code should not be determined by a hospital policy but requires a request from the delivering physician. (CPT 2008, page 34, CPT Assistant Nov 05:15, Coding for Pediatrics 2008, page 90-91). Although the physician arrives after the actual delivery the baby is examined and the physician then orders the infant to be sent to the well baby nursery. The work provided satisfies the criteria necessary for 99436 (a cursory visual inspection and discussion of care of the newborn with the delivering physician and parents). It is important to remember that medical record documentation must include the request for attendance at delivery and substantiate the services performed. If there is no documentation by the delivering physician in the maternal medical record, the verbal request and the reason for the request should be documented attendance note. This code should not be reported without a specific request for attendance. If hospital policy requires physician attendance at a specific type of delivery (elective repeat cesarean section), attendance at delivery is not reported. 13

19. You are asked to attend a c-section of a 3600 gram infant. You arrive six minutes after delivery, the Apgar scores are 8, 9. The baby has already been wrapped in a blanket and you instruct the nurse to send the baby to the well baby nursery. Answer C The proper code is: a. 99440 b. 99436 c. no charge (code) The physician arrives after the delivery and his/her physical presence is not necessary since the infant has already been cared for by the nurse. The physician does not satisfy the criteria inherent in the definition of 99436 (Initial drying, stimulation, suctioning, blow-by oxygen or CPAP without positive-pressure ventilation, a cursory visual inspection of the neonate and discussion with the obstetrician and parents). There is no code for the work provided by the physician. 20. You are called to an outlying hospital to see a baby in the well baby nursery who has become clinically septic. You obtain blood cultures, perform a lumbar puncture and start antibiotics. The infant is placed on hood oxygen (FIO2 60%). After evaluating the baby and reviewing information, spending 50 minutes, you decide that baby needs to be transferred to a higher level of care. There is no available bed at your hospital and the baby is transferred to another group at an institution 30 minutes away. You are present during the transfer. Answer: C The proper code(s): a. 99223, 62270-59, 99289 b. 99222, 99289 c. 99291, 66270-59, 99289 99291 Critical Care, evaluation and management of the critically ill or critically injured patient; first 30-74 minutes. CPT 2008, page 19-20. CPT Assistant Dec 06:13. Coding for Pediatrics 2008, page 98-100. 62270 represents the code for a lumbar puncture (CPT 2008, page 268, CPT Assistant Nov 99:32-33, Oct 03:2, Jul o6:4, CPT Changes: An Insider s View 2000, 2002, Coding for Pediatrics 2008, page 89, 158, 189). -59 modifier is used to indicate that a procedure or service was distinct or independent from other services performed on the same day. Only use this modifier if it best explains the circumstances and no other, more descriptive, modifier is available. (CPT 2008, page 458; Coding for Pediatrics 2008, page 157, 163). 99289 Critical care services delivered by a physician, face-to-face, during an interfacility transport of critically ill or critically injured pediatric parent, 24 months of age of less; first 30-74minutes of hands on care during transport. (CPT 2008, Page 18; CPT Assistant May 05, Jul 06:4;CPT Changes: An Insider s View 2002, 2003. Coding for Pediatrics 2008, page 88, 90. 14

The above vignette describes a critical patient. Unlike the 99295, 99296, 99298, 99299, 99300, 99477 codes the code for the spinal tap (62270) is not bundled with the 99291 code. Endotracheal intubation is also not bundled with 99291. The following services however are bundled: the interpretation of cardiac output measurements (93561, 93562), chest CX rays (71010, 71015, 71020), pulse oximetry (94760, 94761, 94762), blood gases, and information data stored in computers (eg, ECGs, blood pressures, hematologic data (99090); gastric intubation (43752, 91105); temporary transcutaneous pacing (92953); ventilatory management (94002-94004, 94660, 94662); and vascular access procedures (36000, 36410, 36415, 36591, 36600). Documentation of the critical nature of this patient must be provided. 21. Mrs. and Mrs. Arnaz come to see you because their first child, Ricky had gastroschisis. Lucy is pregnant and she and Ricky are new to Los Angeles. They would like to know what the capabilities are in your NICU if this baby has a similar problem. Their obstetrician, Dr. Mertz has not indicated that there is a problem with this pregnancy. You spent 30 minutes with them. Answer: B The proper code: a. 99404 b. 99402 c. 99252 99402 Preventive medicine counseling and /or risk factor reduction interventions(s) provided to an individual (separate procedure; approximately 30 minutes. CPT 2008, page 33, CPT Assistant Aug 97:1, Jan 98, May 05:1. Coding for Pediatrics 2008, page 85-86. Preventive medicine individual counseling codes (99401-99404) may be reported if the family comes to the neonatologist either self-referred or sent by another provider to discuss a risk reduction intervention (ie, seeking advice to avoid a further problem or complication. These codes are reported based upon the time spent providing the counseling. Because they are time-based codes, the medical record must include documentation of the total counseling time and summary of the issues discussed. Another coding approach would be to not use the consultation codes but to use the office visit codes (99201-99205), home service (99341-99345) or domiciliary/rest home care codes (99324-99328). 22. Mrs. Abbott is admitted at 26 weeks with preterm labor. Her obstetrician, Dr. Costello, asks you to see Mrs. Abbott for an inpatient consultation. You spend 45 minutes speaking with Mr. and Mrs. Abbott about the risks of premature delivery and dictating the consult. Mrs. Abbott s labor abates and she is kept in the hospital on bed rest. She is treated with tocolytics and steroids. At 30 weeks, she again begins to contract. Delivery seems imminent and inevitable. Dr. Costello asks you to speak with Mr. and Mrs. Abbott again. You spend 30 minutes with the family. The proper code for the 1 st consult is: a. 99403 b. 99243 c. 99252 Answer: C 15

99252 represents an inpatient consultation for a new or established patient, which requires these three key components: an expanded problem focused history, an expanded problem focused examination; and straightforward medical decision making. In general, an inpatient consultation code is used only once by the reporting physician for an individual hospital patient for a particular episode of care. Usually, the presenting problem(s) are of low severity. Physicians typically spend 40 minutes at the bedside and on the patient s hospital floor or unit. Both the requesting and consulting physician must document the request in the medical record. CPT 2008, page 16, CPT Assistant Sep 02:11; CPT Changes: An Insider s View 2007, Coding for Pediatrics 2008, page 86). Answer: A The proper code for the 2 nd consult is: a. 99232 b. 99252 c. 99242 99232 represents a subsequent hospital care, per day, for the evaluation and management of a patient, which requires at least two of these three key components; an expanded problem focused interval history; an expanded problem focused examination; medial decision making of moderate complexity. (CPT 2008, page 13, CPT Assistant March 07; Coding for Pediatrics 2008 page 95). Only one consultation can be reported by a consultant per admission. Subsequent services during the same admission are reported using subsequent hospital care codes 99231-99233 which include services to complete the initial consultation, monitor progress, revise recommendations, or address a new problem. The selection of these codes is based upon physician time spent during the consultation. Physicians typically spend 40 minutes at the bedside and on the patient s hospital floor or unit for a 99252 code and 25 minutes at the bedside and/on the patient s hospital floor or unit for a 99232 code. Other consultation codes similar to this example utilizing time are as follows: 99251 (20 minutes); 99253 (55 minutes); 99254 (80 minutes); 99255 (110 minutes). Other subsequent follow-up codes for continual services include: 99231 (15 minutes); 99233 (35 minutes). 23. Mr. and Mrs. Cramden are referred by their obstetrician for an outpatient consultation. Their fetus, conceived on their honeymoon, was noted to have a unilateral dysplastic kidney and complex congenital heart disease by their perinatologist, Dr. Norton. You spend 20 minutes reviewing Alice s records including the prenatal ultrasound and fetal echocardiogram. At the time of the consultation, you spent 1 hour with the couple, since Ralph had many questions. It took another 20 minutes to dictate and proof read your letter back to Dr. Norton. Answer: A The proper code for this consultation is: a. 99358, 99244 b. 99245 c. 99233 99358 prolonged evaluation and management service before and/or after direct (face-to-face) patient care (eg, review of extensive records and tests, communication with other professionals and /or the patient/family); first hour (list separately I addition to code(s) for other physician service(s) and/or inpatient or outpatient Evaluation and Management service) CPT 2008, page 29, CPT Assistant Nov 05:10. Coding for Pediatrics 2008 pages 64-65, 96 16

99244 represents an office consultation for a new or established patient, which requires these 3 key components: a comprehensive history; a comprehensive examination; and medical decision making of moderate complexity. Usually the presenting problem(s) are of moderate to high severity. Physicians typically spend 60 minutes face-to-face with the patient and/or family. CPT 2008, page 15, CPT Assistant April 07:11, Coding for Pediatrics 2008 pages 62, 209 The 99358 code can be used initially for record review and management services before and after the face-to-face meeting. There is no RVU for 99358. The face-to-face part of this consultation is only 60 minutes and therefore this is the code to be utilized. If the review of the ultrasound and the records were done face-to-face with parents as well, 99245 (80 minutes) could be used. 24. Baby boy Keaton is born at a community hospital and your hospital is called to transport the baby. You send the transport team which is composed of a nurse practitioner and a respiratory therapist. You speak to the NNP several times and give her direction in terms of the management. The baby is having respiratory distress and is intubated, given surfactant and an umbilical artery catheter is placed. When the baby arrives at your hospital you admit this intubated, critically ill baby. The NNP is employed by the hospital. Answer: A The proper code(s) are: a. 99288, 99295 b. 99288, 31500, 94610, 36660, 99295 c. 99295 99288 represents physician direction of emergency medical systems (EMS, emergency care, advance life support). The physician directs the performance of necessary medical procedures. This physician directed transport team does not apply for in-house transport. The physician and team remain in 2-way communication and decide together on the appropriate management and intervention. The supervising physician cannot code the actual procedures and interventions provided by the team unless he/she is physically present with the team during transport. Although the 99288 code should be reported, there is no RVU or reimbursement for this code. (CPT 2008 page 18; CPT assistant, May 05:1; Coding for Pediatrics 2008, page 87-88. 99295 represents the initial neonatal critical care code for the evaluation and management of a critically ill neonate 28 days or less. Critically ill neonates require cardiac and/or respiratory support (including ventilator or nasal CPAP when indicated), continuous or frequent vital sign monitoring, laboratory and blood gas interpretations, follow-up physician reevaluations, and constant observation by the health care team under direct physician supervision. Immediate preoperative evaluation and stabilization of neonates with life threatening surgical or cardiac conditions are included under this code (CPT 2008, page 20-21; CPT Assistant Nov 05:10; CPT Changes: An Insider s View 2005; Coding for Pediatrics 2008, page 96-99) In directed emergency care, the physician is in two-way voice communication with the rescue personnel outside the hospital. The physician directs the performance of necessary medical procedures. The physician and team remain in two-way communication and decide together on the appropriate management and interventions for the child during transport. If this communication is with the neonatal nurse practitioner (NNP) and the NNP is employed by the hospital the neonatologist cannot report a code for that service. If the NNP is on the transport 17

team and is employed by the neonatal group, the NNP can report the transport codes if the State of practice allows an independent billing number and the activities are covered in the scope of practice. In addition, in some states, if the NNP is employed by the neonatal group she is considered an extension of the neonatal group and the group s provider number can be used. Although the 99288 code should be reported, there is no RVU or reimbursement for this code at this time. 25. Baby girl Allen is born at 28 weeks gestation at a level one center and Dr. Burns calls you to come pick the baby up. You receive the call at 1:00 am. The transport team including the neonatologist is ready to leave at 1:20 am and arrives at the referring hospital at 2:00 am. The neonatologist spends 1.5 hours evaluating the baby. Included in this time are 10 minutes to intubate and administer surfactant and 20 minutes to place umbilical venous and arterial catheters. They leave the referring hospital at 3:30 am and arrive at the level 3 center at 4:15 am. The neonatologist admits the baby. Answer: B The proper code(s) are: a. 99289, 99290 x2, 26510, 36660, 21500, 94610, 99295 b. 99289, 99290, 36510-59, 36660-59, 31500-59 94610-59, 99295 c. 99289, 99290 x2, 99295 99289 Critical care services delivered by a physician, face-to-face, during an interfacility transport of critically ill or critically injured pediatric parent, 24 months of age of less; first 30-74minutes of hands on care during transport. (CPT 2008, Page 18; CPT Assistant May 05, Jul 06:4;CPT Changes: An Insider s View 2002, 2003. Coding for Pediatrics, page 88 99290 each additional 30 minutes (List separately in addition to code for primary service) CPT 2008, page 18. CPT Changes: An Insider s View 2002 (Use 99290 in conjunction with 99289) Coding for Pediatrics 2008, page 87-88. 36510- Catheterization of umbilical vein for diagnosis or therapy, newborn (CPT 2008, page 170; CPT Assistant Jul 06:4; Coding for Pediatrics 2008, page 119, 218). -59 modifier is used to indicate that a procedure or service was distinct or independent from other services performed on the same day. Only use this modifier if it best explains the circumstances and no other, more descriptive, modifier is available. (CPT 2008, page 458; Coding for Pediatrics 2008, page 157, 163). 36660 Catheterization, umbilical artery, newborn, for diagnosis or therapy. CPT 2008, page 174, CPT Assistant Jul 06:4, CPT Changes: An Insider s View 2008. Coding for Pediatrics 2008, pages 119, 218. 31500 is a procedure code for endotracheal intubation. (CPT 2008, page 135; CPT Assistant Jul 06:4; Coding for Pediatrics 2008, page 117). 94610 Intrapulmonary surfactant administration by a physician through endotracheal tube (CPT 2008, page 413; CPT Changes: An Insider s View 2007; Coding for Pediatrics 2008, page 88-89). 18

99295 represents the initial neonatal critical care code for the evaluation and management of a critically ill neonate 28 days or less. Critically ill neonates require cardiac and/or respiratory support (including ventilator or nasal CPAP when indicated), continuous or frequent vital sign monitoring, laboratory and blood gas interpretations, follow-up physician reevaluations, and constant observation by the health care team under direct physician supervision. Immediate preoperative evaluation and stabilization of neonates with life threatening surgical or cardiac conditions are included under this code (CPT 2008, page 20-21; CPT Assistant Nov 05:10; CPT Changes: An Insider s View 2005; Coding for Pediatrics 2008, page 96-99) Codes 99289, 99290 report physical attendance and direct face-to-face care by a physician during the interfacility transport of a critically ill patient <24 months of age. The infant s condition must meet the CPT definition for critical care. Services bundled under 99289 and 99290 are the same services that are bundled with the hourly critical care codes (99291, 99292). These defer from the bundled services that are part of the neonatal critical care codes (99295, 99296). The code for umbilical vein catheterization (36510); umbilical artery catheterization (36660); endotracheal intubation (31500) and Surfactant administration (94610) are not bundled under the transport codes (99289, 99290). The total time spent with the patient is 90 minutes in the beginning and then 45 minutes in transport for a total of 135 minutes. Subtracted from this is 30 minutes for the procedures. Therefore the total time is 105 minutes. 99289 is 30-74 minutes and 99290 adds an additional 30 minutes. 26. Baby girl Lewis is delivered at 27 weeks by c-section for maternal indications. Dr. Martin attends the delivery, resuscitates the baby with PPV and as part of the resuscitation intubates and gives surfactant in the delivery room. The baby is then transferred to the NICU where Dr. Martin places an umbilical artery catheter and writes up a complete history and physical. Answer: A The proper codes are: a. 99440, 31500-59, 94610-59, 99295 b. 99440, 31500, 94610, 99295, 36510 c. 99440, 99295 99440 represents an attendance at delivery with resuscitation including positive pressure ventilation and/or chest compressions in the presence of acute inadequate ventilation and/or cardiac output. (CPT 2008, page 34; CPT Assistant Apr 07:3; Coding for Pediatrics 2008, page 90-91) 31500 is a procedure code for endotracheal intubation. If the intubation is performed in the delivery room as an essential component of the resuscitation, it is reported separately. (CPT 2008, page 135; CPT Assistant Jul 06:4; Coding for Pediatrics 2008, page 117). -59 modifier is used to indicate that a procedure or service was distinct or independent from other services performed on the same day. Only use this modifier if it best explains the circumstances and no other, more descriptive, modifier is available. (CPT 2008, page 458; Coding for Pediatrics 2008, page 157, 163). 19

94610 Intrapulmonary surfactant administration by a physician through endotracheal tube. If the procedure is done as part of the resuscitation it may be reported. If this procedure is done in the NICU it is bundled under the global 99295 critical care code. There are very few instances where Surfactant is necessary component of resuscitation in the delivery room. (CPT 2008, page 413; CPT Changes: An Insider s View 2007; Coding for Pediatrics 2008, page 88-89). 99295 represents the initial neonatal critical care code for the evaluation and management of a critically ill neonate 28 days or less. Critically ill neonates require cardiac and/or respiratory support (including ventilator or nasal CPAP when indicated), continuous or frequent vital sign monitoring, laboratory and blood gas interpretations, follow-up physician reevaluations, and constant observation by the health care team under direct physician supervision. Immediate preoperative evaluation and stabilization of neonates with life threatening surgical or cardiac conditions are included under this code (CPT 2008, page 20-21; CPT Assistant Nov 05:10; CPT Changes: An Insider s View 2005; Coding for Pediatrics 2008, page 96-99) If the Surfactant administration (94610) is utilized as part of the resuscitative process it can be coded separately. The physician must play an active role in this process. Observing the respiratory therapist or NNP giving the surfactant does not satisfy criteria. There must be hands-on participation in order to use this code. 27. Baby boy Stiller is born at term by the vaginal route. Dr. Meara is asked to attend the delivery due to some late decelerations on the fetal monitor strip. Baby boy Stiller is breathing spontaneously but the lungs sound wet. Dr. Meara applies a CPAP device to the baby for 2 minutes after which time the baby improves. The baby goes to the term nursery under another physician s care. Answer: C The proper code is: a. 99440 b. 99431 c. 99436 99436 represents attendance at delivery and initial stabilization of newborn. Initial drying, stimulation, suctioning, blow-by oxygen or CPAP without positive-pressure ventilation, a cursory visual inspection of the neonate are included in the physician work associated with this code. A verbal request or written order and the reason for the request from the delivering physician should be documented in the attendance note. Use of this code should not be determined by a hospital policy but requires a request from the delivering physician. (CPT 2008, page 34, CPT Assistant Nov 05:15, Coding for Pediatrics 2008, page 90-91). CPAP which is utilized to remove fluid from the lungs without positive pressure does not constitute resuscitation and the need for 99440. 28. Baby boy Carson was born full term without any apparent health problems. Dr. Severinson sees the baby in the morning and does routine newborn care. Four hours later Dr. Severinson receives a call from nurse McMahon who tells him that baby boy Carson appears cyanotic. Dr. Severinson tells her to begin oxygen therapy while he drives in from his office. When he arrives, he finds that the baby has a loud holosystolic murmur and 20