Correctly count observation time for outpatients

August 23, 2011

Counting time for observation isn't always straightforward under OPPS. Coders and billers need to consider physician documentation, other procedures performed during observation, condition code 44, and the three-day payment window when deciding how many observation hours to bill. Kimberly Anderwood Hoy, JD, CPC, and Denise Williams, RN, CPC-H, define observation services and detail how to count observation hours and carve out time.

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