DISCHARGE DAY MANAGEMENT CODES

Discharge codes are time based.  The billing provider must document his/her total time along with discharge management services personally performed.

• Only the time spent by the billing provider on the day of discharge is billable time
• Includes as appropriate:
  • Final examination
  • Discussion of the hospital stay with the patient & caregivers
  • Coordination of Care
  • Instructions for continuing care to all relevant caregivers
  • Preparation of the discharge records – including note completion
  • Prescriptions
  • Referral forms
  • Attending physician’s time discussing instructions to residents to carry out the above
• Example: I spent 35 minutes today in discharge planning time including discharge exam, parent education, and coordination of care.
• There are two levels of services based on provider time: Up to 30 minutes, and 31 minutes are above.  For questions please contact Brenda McManemy.