What do subsequent hospital care codes allow providers to report?

Subsequent hospital care codes are specifically designed for use when a provider sees a patient who is already admitted to a hospital and is continuing their care. These codes allow providers to report visits that occur during the patient’s hospital stay after the initial care, which typically involves the initial hospital visit or consultation.

In the context of these codes, they apply to all visits made by a provider while the patient is admitted, irrespective of any previous care provided by other healthcare professionals. It’s essential to differentiate these subsequent codes from those used for new problems or consultations; they strictly pertain to ongoing care for admitted patients, ensuring that providers can accurately bill for each encounter that takes place during a single hospital stay.

This understanding of subsequent care codes highlights their role in an episodic care model, where various providers can be involved in a patient's care during their hospitalization, enabling more comprehensive documentation and reimbursement for ongoing treatment.