Which codes are specifically submitted by the admitting provider?

The answer is initial hospital care codes, which are specifically assigned to the admitting provider because they represent the first encounter of a physician with a patient admitted to the hospital. These codes capture the comprehensive evaluation and management performed by the admitting physician upon a patient's admission, including a detailed history, examination, and medical decision-making unique to that initial visit.

This coding reflects the physician's role in establishing the patient's care plan and managing their hospital admission. It is distinct from the other types of codes listed. Follow-up hospital care codes pertain to subsequent evaluations after the initial visit and are typically used by any physician providing care during the hospital stay, not exclusively the admitting provider. Consultation codes are utilized when a physician is asked to provide an opinion or advice about a patient's condition, but this does not reflect the admission process. Established patient office codes are relevant for office visits of patients who have received care previously in that practice and are not related to hospital admission. Therefore, initial hospital care codes are uniquely designated for the admitting physician's documentation and billing.