Coding Corner

Coding Question

A baby boy was born at 38 weeks' gestation to a 32-year-old mother who was diagnosed with syphilis at 35 weeks' gestation. The baby is clinically well with no signs or symptoms of congenital syphilis and is rooming in with his mother. On the day of admission, the pediatrician consults the neonatologist for management of the baby. The neonatologist reviews the maternal records and determines the mother was treated for syphilis in 2021 and throughout pregnancy her RPR was 1:1 until her visit at 35 weeks, when the RPR was 1:128.  The mother received partial treatment prior to delivery. The neonatologist also reviews the newborn record and after examines the baby. The neonatologist then recommends blood work, x-rays and a spinal tap to determine the treatment. The neonatologist then performs the spinal tap in the sitting position using anatomical landmarks for the pediatrician.

The correct CPT code(s) by the neonatologist for this infant is:

A. 99477 - admission day intensive care
B. 99222 - admission day for moderate complexity
C. 99253 – Low MDM
D. 99254 – Moderate MDM
E. 62270 - Lumbar puncture for diagnosis

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