E/M Weekly Tip: Discharge Services - Patient Expired

Only the physician who personally performs the pronouncement of death may bill for the face-to-face hospital discharge service (CPT code 99238 or 99239). The date of the pronouncement must reflect the calendar date of service on the day it was performed even if the paperwork is delayed to a subsequent date.

For more information read the Medicare Claims Processing Manual (PDF, 1.1 MB), Publication 100-04, Chapter 12, section 30.6.9.2.E.