Abstract: | This final rule replaces the current method of per diem billings to one based on diagnostic related groups, expands the single outpatient billing category to as many as sixty, and expands the billing for outpatient services to include land ambulance service, air ambulance service and hyperbaric services. This final rule improves billing methods for both inpatient and outpatient care. This expansion creates a greater level of specificity which more accurately reflects the cost of the care provided. In addition, this final rule identifies additional outpatient services for which recovery of costs will be sought. |