What should be reported if one of the physicians admits the patient in the ED?

Study for the AAPC CEMC exam with our comprehensive quiz material, flashcards, and multiple choice questions. Gain insights with detailed explanations and hints to help you prepare effectively for the test.

When a physician admits a patient from the Emergency Department (ED), the appropriate codes to report are the initial hospital care codes. These codes are specifically designed for the services provided during the first hospital encounter after patient admission.

This scenario signifies that the physician has taken on the responsibility for the patient's care and has conducted a comprehensive evaluation and management process. Initial hospital care codes cover the services delivered when a patient is first admitted, including the documentation of the patient's history, examination, and any decisions made regarding their care.

In contrast, the other options do not apply in this context. ED service codes are used for evaluations conducted in the ED before admission and do not reflect the change in the patient's care level upon admission to the hospital. Follow-up visit codes are intended for subsequent visits after the initial hospital care has been provided and would not be appropriate as the patient has just been admitted. Consultation codes are relevant when a physician is requested to provide advice or opinion regarding a patient and do not apply here since the admitting physician is responsible for the patient's ongoing care starting from admission.

Thus, the use of initial hospital care codes accurately reflects the actions taken by the physician in this situation.

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