Crystal's MCW Coder HubCode Range
99238-99239 - Hospital discharge day management
Overview
Billed on the date of discharge for final management activities.
Code Selection
Included Activities
Bundled Services
Discharge code includes all discharge activities:
- Final examination
- Discharge instructions
- Medication reconciliation
- Follow-up arrangements
- Paperwork completion
Time Calculation
Discharge Activities:
- Final patient exam: 10 min
- Family discussion: 10 min
- Discharge paperwork: 15 min
- Total: 35 minutes → 99239
Same Day Rules
| Scenario | Billing |
|---|---|
| Admit + Discharge same day | Initial hospital care |
| Subsequent + Discharge same day | Discharge only |
| Critical Care + Discharge same day | Both allowed |
Date of Service
Bill discharge on actual discharge date, not date of documentation.
Death vs. Discharge
| Outcome | Code |
|---|---|
| Discharge to home/SNF | 99238-99239 |
| Patient death | 99238-99239 |
| Transfer to another hospital | 99238-99239 |
Time Documentation
Document total time spent on discharge activities to support 99239 selection.
00 Inpatient ProFee Coding MOC Subsequent Hospital Care Initial Hospital Care