Can a E/M service be billed on the same day as discharge day management?

Can a E/M service be billed on the same day as discharge day management?

• A. Yes, always
• B. Yes, but only in combination with discharge-disposition codes
• C. No
• D. Only for certain specialties

Answer: (C)

Discharge day management already covers the evaluation and management work involved in releasing a patient from care. When a patient is discharged, the clinician documents the final assessment, reconciles meds, reviews the hospital course, and provides counseling and discharge instructions. Billing an additional evaluation and management service on the same day would duplicate that work and is not allowed. This restriction applies across specialties, and isn’t dependent on combining with other discharge codes or only certain specialties.

Discharge day management already covers the evaluation and management work involved in releasing a patient from care. When a patient is discharged, the clinician documents the final assessment, reconciles meds, reviews the hospital course, and provides counseling and discharge instructions. Billing an additional evaluation and management service on the same day would duplicate that work and is not allowed. This restriction applies across specialties, and isn’t dependent on combining with other discharge codes or only certain specialties.