Impatient Consultation Coding for Medicare

Question:

If you see a Medicare patient for the first time in the hospital as an inpatient consultation, what code would you bill for the EM?

Answer:

The EM would be reported as an Initial hospital or observational care codes (99221-99223) with the appropriate level based on MDM or Time. Medicare does not allow payment for inpatient consultation codes 99252-99255.

*This response is based on the best information available as of 3/27/25.