What type of service does the code 99495 report?

The code 99495 is used to report transitional care management (TCM) services that are provided to patients after a discharge from a hospital or other facility. This code specifies the need for follow-up care that involves a defined set of activities to ensure continuity of care and to help prevent readmission. Transitional care management includes various services such as an assessment of the patient's progress, coordination with other care providers, education about managing their condition, and follow-up communication.

These services are crucial as they bridge the gap between inpatient care and outpatient care. TCM is designed to ensure patients receive proper follow-up, which can involve an in-person visit within a specified timeframe after discharge and communication with the patient or caregiver, which can significantly improve outcomes and reduce the likelihood of rehospitalization.

While initial inpatient services and follow-up outpatient services are important components of healthcare coding, they do not capture the specific transitional care activities outlined in the code 99495. Routine follow-up is also not comprehensive enough to encompass the structured nature of transitional care management. Thus, the correct choice highlights the importance of that comprehensive approach to managing patient care post-discharge.