G0378 - Hourly billing for hospital observation services
Healthcare Common Procedure Coding System
What is a HCPCS Code?
HCPCS (Healthcare Common Procedure Coding System) codes are used to identify medical procedures, supplies, and services for billing purposes. These codes help standardize how healthcare services are reported and billed across different providers and insurance companies.
Detailed Description
This code is used by hospitals to bill for observation services on an hourly basis. Hospital observation is a type of outpatient service where you are monitored in the hospital for a specific medical condition or after a procedure, but you are not formally admitted as an inpatient. The hospital uses this code to charge for each hour you spend under observation care, which includes nursing supervision, monitoring of your condition, and medical oversight by healthcare staff.
Additional Information
This is a billing code used per hour of observation time. Observation status is different from inpatient admission - you remain an outpatient even while being observed in the hospital. The total cost depends on the number of hours spent in observation.
Category
Hospital Outpatient Services
Medical Specialty
Hospital Medicine
Expected Costs
Your actual cost will depend on your insurance coverage, provider location, and specific circumstances.
What's Required Before This
- Medical condition requiring observation
- Physician order for observation status
What to Expect After
- Follow-up with primary care physician or specialist as directed
- Monitoring of condition that required observation
Why Understanding This Code Matters
On Your Medical Bill
This code appears on your medical bills to identify the specific service, procedure, drug, or medical diagnosis you received. Understanding what it means helps you verify you're being charged correctly and know what to expect.
For Your Health
Knowing what this code represents helps you understand your treatment plan, ask better questions during appointments, and track your healthcare journey more effectively.
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