How do you know if a CPT code is inpatient or outpatient?

Asked by: Willis Koelpin  |  Last update: January 17, 2026
Score: 4.4/5 (63 votes)

For the most part, Outpatient uses Current Procedural Terminology (CPT) for procedures, while Inpatient utilizes ICD-10-PCS (AMA, 2022). In the CPT code set, there are three levels. Level I covers medical services and procedures performed by physicians; it employs a numeric system.

How to know if inpatient or outpatient?

What's the main difference between inpatient and outpatient care? Generally speaking, inpatient care requires you to stay in a hospital and outpatient care does not.

How does coding for inpatient differ from outpatient coding?

Inpatient coding utilizes ICD-10-CM and ICD-10-PCS codes to transcribe the details of a patient's visit and stay, while outpatient coding on the other hand utilizes ICD-10-CM and HCPCS Level II codes to report healthcare services.

How do you identify an inpatient?

An inpatient is a hospital patient who, in most cases, stays in the hospital overnight and meets a set of clinical criteria. Outpatients are people who receive care or hospital services and return home the same day.

Is CPT code 99223 inpatient or outpatient?

According to CPT, the initial hospital care codes, 99221–99223, are for “the first hospital inpatient encounter with the patient by the admitting physician.” Initial inpatient encounters by other physicians should be reported with either subsequent hospital care codes (99231–99233) or initial inpatient consultation ...

WHAT IS INPATIENT, OUTPATIENT, OR PROFESSIONAL FEE MEDICAL CODING?

20 related questions found

Is CPT code inpatient or outpatient?

CPT codes are used throughout the U.S. for coding in outpatient settings and for professional services provided in inpatient settings. The VHA adopted the national coding rules around 2000 for outpatient coding; national standards for coding inpatient care were implemented earlier.

Is CPT 99222 inpatient or outpatient?

Code Descriptor

99222: Initial Hospital Inpatient or Observation Care Initial hospital inpatient or observation care, per day, for the evaluation and management of a patient, which requires a medically appropriate history and/or examination and moderate level of medical decision-making.

How do you identify an outpatient?

Outpatient care, also called ambulatory or day patient care, does not require hospitalization. An outpatient visits a hospital, clinic, or similar facility for diagnosis, treatment, or a procedure, and then is free to leave.

What is the criteria for inpatient status?

An inpatient admission is generally appropriate when you're expected to need 2 or more midnights of medically necessary hospital care. But, your doctor must order such admission and the hospital must formally admit you in order for you to become an inpatient.

How you recognize the difference between outpatient and inpatient medical documents?

What is the difference between inpatient and outpatient medical records? The difference isn't the “medical record" — both services are stored in your medical record. The difference is in the service provided. Outpatient means you didn't stay at the facility at least overnight.

What is an example of inpatient coding?

Here are some examples of inpatient coding:
  • Scenario # 1 – Major Joint Replacement with Multiple Comorbidity Conditions (MCC)
  • Scenario # 2 – Appendectomy with Peritonitis.
  • Scenario # 1 – New Patient Encounter with Established Diagnosis.
  • Scenario # 2 – Flu Shot Administration.

How does inpatient vs outpatient apply coding guidelines?

In the Inpatient setting, coders can assign codes for unconfirmed diagnoses. In the Outpatient setting, diagnoses must be confirmed in order to assign a code. Often, signs and symptoms are coded more frequently than a disease process for Outpatient coding. Outpatient coding is usually short and sweet.

Are CPT codes required on inpatient claims?

For an inpatient facility claim, the ICD-10-PCS codes are used to show what services provided. You wouldn't typically see a CPT or HCPC associated with most revenue codes on an inpatient facility claim. Outpatient facility claims will have a CPT listed with Revenue Code 360 to show what surgery was performed.

How do you check outpatient?

Members can choose, change, or confirm their existing out-patient hospital every quarter by dialing the USSD *155# or by downloading My NHIF App available on mobile app stores or through our self-help portal on the website.

What is the 2 midnight rule?

Under the Two-Midnight Rule, CMS generally considered it inappropriate to receive payment under the inpatient prospective payment system for stays not expected to span at least two midnights.

What is an example of an inpatient facility?

Types of inpatient facilities include acute-care hospitals, rehabilitation centers, psychiatric hospitals, addiction treatment centers and nursing homes.

What are the codes for inpatient stay?

The Current Procedural Terminology (CPT®) codes for hospital inpatient and observation services are defined as initial (99221, 99222, 99223), subsequent (99231, 99232, 99233), admission and discharge same day (99234, 99235, 99236) and discharge services (99238, 99239).

What criteria are used to determine if an inpatient admission is considered appropriate?

The Medicare Two-Midnight Rule is an essential aspect of these guidelines, stating that inpatient admission is generally appropriate when the physician expects the patient's stay to span at least two midnights. Understanding why hospitals use observation status is valuable for patients and healthcare providers.

What procedures are on the inpatient only list?

Examples of Inpatient Only surgeries include:
  • Coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG)
  • Gastric bypass surgery for obesity (if you have other medical conditions related to obesity)
  • Heart valve repair or valve replacement.

How to identify inpatient claims?

The inpatient claims TAF has two components, an IP claim header file and an IP claim line file. The header file contains one record per claim, and the fields on that record summarize information that relates to the entire claim, such as the billing provider, total payment amount, and primary diagnosis.

Am I an inpatient or outpatient?

Inpatient means that you're treated in hospital and you stay overnight. You're admitted to hospital, and you would have a bed. Most health insurance covers inpatient care. Outpatient means you're not admitted to hospital for the day, and you don't stay overnight.

What are the three types of outpatient?

Three types of outpatient care include primary care, ambulatory surgical care, and urgent care.
  • 1 Primary Care. I. ...
  • 2 Ambulatory Surgery Centers. ...
  • 3 Urgent Care.

Is CPT coding for inpatient or outpatient?

Outpatient coding uses ICD-10-CM diagnostic codes and CPT or HCPCS codes, which specifically apply to services and supplies provided in the outpatient setting. Documentation plays a key role in assigning CPT and HCPCS codes. Inpatient coding is more complex than outpatient coding.

Is CPT 99223 inpatient or outpatient?

The Current Procedural Terminology (CPT) code range for Initial Hospital Inpatient or Observation Care 99221-99223 is a medical code set maintained by the American Medical Association.

What is CPT code 99238 and 99239?

Hospital Discharge Day Management Services, CPT code 99238 or 99239 is a face-to- face evaluation and management (E/M) service between the attending physician and the patient.