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Differing Classifications Affect Clinical Documentation and Workflows
UNDEESTANDING AN OEGANIZATION'S physician classifications is important. Physician classifications drive documentation requirements such as history and physicals, consultation reports, and discharge summaries. In addition, physician classifications often outline the extent of direct patient care a physician has.
Two important classifications are admitting and attending physicians.
The Admitting Physician
Admitting physicians are credentialed by the healthcare organization to have admitting privileges. Admitting privileges are granted by the governing board to a clinical care provider to provide direct patient care within the hospital. Admitting privileges are different from clinical privileges, which are defined by the care provider's license, experience, and competencies.
An admitting physician is the clinical provider responsible for admitting the patient to the hospital. The admitting physician is responsible for certain documentation such as accurately identifying the:
* Date of admission
* Chief complaint
* Admitting diagnosis
* Written admission order
Only one clinical provider can be designated as the admitting physician and bill for an inpatient encounter using the CPT initial hospital care codes (99221-99223). If two or more physicians are involved in the care of a patient, one must be identified as the...