billing and coding hospital visits

[MFunk]

Hi, I'm trying to dis-cypher which code to use. My provider did an observation w/ H&P and then the next day (more than 24 hours) did the admit. We are trying to determine if she should bill a hospital inpatient code 99221-99223 Or Observation to admit code 99234-99236. Or both or something else. Anyone have experience with this?

[Sriram_Sub]

In my opinion, if the patient has been in the hospital for over 24 hours from the observation date, then the observation date becomes the admit date and you would bill an initial hospital visit code 99221-99223 on the observation DOS, depending on the level of issues addressed. The next day, when you say the provider admitted the patient, would become the subsequent visit.

Waiting to see others' responses.

Regards
Sriram