Bundled babies and bundled billing: how to properly use the new pediatric critical care codes.

Abstract

CMS introduced new pediatric critical care codes and renumbered neonatal and pediatric critical care Current Procedural Terminology (CPT) codes in January 2009. Unlike the time-based critical care codes used for adult care, services for many children use bundled codes for all critical care services by a single physician during a calendar day. New codes have been added for 24- to 60-month old children. CPT codes for critical care of neonates and children 28 days to 24 months were renumbered. This article discusses the changes and the impact on physicians providing critical care services.