3.3k views
5 votes
The observation care level of service code 99218 includes services related to expanded history, expanded examination, and problem-focused medical decision making.

1. true
2. false

1 Answer

5 votes

Final answer:

The statement about the observation care level of service code 99218 is incorrect. It actually involves a detailed or comprehensive history and examination with straightforward or low complexity medical decision making, not merely expanded history, expanded examination, and problem-focused decision making.

Step-by-step explanation:

The statement regarding the observation care level of service code 99218 is false. Code 99218 is part of the Initial Observation Care codes used by healthcare professionals to bill for services provided to patients in an observation status in a hospital.

Specifically, the code 99218 describes services provided that require these three key components: a detailed or comprehensive history, a detailed or comprehensive examination, and straightforward or low complexity medical decision making. Expanded history and examination might suggest a more elaborate service than 99218 typically represents while problem-focused medical decision making would not meet the requirements of this specific code. For more complex cases involving moderate to high complexity decision making, higher-level observation care codes would be used.

User Adarsh Vijayan P
by
8.1k points
Welcome to QAmmunity.org, where you can ask questions and receive answers from other members of our community.