Coding Corner

Coding Question

Scenario:  the short-term transitioning baby.

The neonatologist attends a full-term Cesarean section with intact membranes, not in labor. Following the delivery, the baby is brought to the NICU because of tachypnea with O2 requirement. CXR is normal, and under continuous monitoring, the baby has weaned off a 1 lpm NC to room air over the first 2 hours and is now asymptomatic by 4 hours. At 4 hours age, the neonatologist transfers the baby to Newborn Nursery for subsequent care by the baby’s private pediatrician. Total neonatologist time spent devoted to the baby’s care including the admission and transfer notes and speaking with the parents is 30 minutes. Aside from also billing 99464 for delivery attendance, how should the neonatologist bill for the NICU stay?

A.    99477, initial day Intensive Care
B.    99460, initial day Newborn Care
C.    99222, initial day, Hospital Care, moderate decision-making (55 min)
D.    99253, inpatient consultation, moderate decision-making (45 min)

View Answer