Coding Corner Answer

D: 99471 Initial daily critical care 29 days through 24 months of age.

99471 is a Pediatric daily (global) critical care code. 

Location of care is not used to determine code selection. This clinical scenario is one unique circumstance when a Pediatric Critical Care code is to be used even when the location is the NICU.

This infant, although has a condition originating in the perinatal period, is readmitted at 3 months of age, after the initial birth hospitalization. The infant is currently more than 29 days old and therefore 99471 will be appropriate in this scenario. He meets criteria for critical care on the day of admission s/p surgery.

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