Final answer:
The correct CPT code for the scenario where a patient is seen in the ER, admitted, and receives a detailed history, comprehensive examination, and moderate MDM is 99222 (option B). This code is used for initial hospital care services that match the level of complexity described.
Step-by-step explanation:
The question is asking about the correct coding for a patient who presents to the emergency room with specific symptoms and receives a certain level of care. In the healthcare system, especially in the United States, medical billing codes such as those from the Current Procedural Terminology (CPT) are used to describe the services provided to patients. The response to identify whether A. 99285, B. 99222, C. 99221, or D. 99284 is the correct code requires an understanding of these codes specific to the situation described in the question.
In this case, the patient was seen in the ER and then admitted to the hospital. A detailed history, comprehensive examination, and a moderate level of medical decision-making (MDM) were performed. Based on this information, the appropriate code would be 99222, which is for an initial hospital care service with a detailed history, a detailed examination, and a moderate level of MDM.
- 99221: For initial hospital care with a problem-focused history, a problem-focused examination, and straightforward MDM.
- 99222: For initial hospital care with a detailed history, a detailed examination, and moderate complexity MDM.
- 99285: Emergency department visit entailing a comprehensive history, comprehensive examination, and high complexity MDM.
- 99284: Emergency department visit with a detailed history, detailed examination, and moderate complexity MDM without hospital admission.