Here’s a quick reference tool for code selection for admitting and consulting physicians developed by Betsy Nicoletti, a consultant in North Andover, Massachusetts (see story, p. 1). “CPT combined the codes for inpatient and observation services in 2023, simplifying code selection for the admitting physician. For consulting physicians treating Medicare patients who have observation status, Medicare requires the consultant to use office and outpatient codes. Medicare doesn't recognize consultation codes, and only allows the admitting physician to use the initial inpatient and observation code set,” she explained. “As always, practices will need to check with commercial payers about what codes a consulting physician will use.” Contact Nicoletti at betsy@betsynicoletti.com.