Controversies in CPT® coding in the neonatal intensive care unit: - critical vs. intensive care

Professional reimbursement to neonatal providers is based on the level of Current Procedural Terminology (CPT®) coding in the NICU, newborn nursery and other areas where neonatal care is provided. Four levels of evaluation and management (E&M) care—critical, intensive, routine-hospital care or normal newborn care can be provided to neonates. The work relative value units (wRVUs) associated with these four levels of care vary widely. This manuscript provides a brief review of basic features associated with each of these four levels with a specific perspective on differences between critical and intensive care codes. Coding and billing are constantly evolving fields with significant variation in interpretation and readers are encouraged to review the current publications on CPT® coding and make an informed decision on the best codes to be used for their patients.