Certified Inpatient Coding (CIC) Practice Exam

What type of bill (TOB) code is represented by 0121?

1. Skilled nursing, Outpatient, Interim-first claim

2. Hospital, inpatient, non-payment zero claims

3. Hospital, inpatient (Medicare Part B only) Admit through discharge claim

4. Hospital, outpatient, admit through discharge, first claim

The correct answer is: Hospital, inpatient (Medicare Part B only) Admit through discharge claim

The type of bill (TOB) code 0121 specifically refers to a hospital inpatient claim that is submitted under Medicare Part B for the complete duration of a patient's stay, which encompasses admission through discharge. This coding signifies that the services rendered during the entire hospital stay are being billed under Medicare Part B, providing a comprehensive view of care provided over the course of the patient’s treatment. In this context, the hospital's billing process for inpatient services under Medicare involves proper identification of the claim type, ensuring adherence to the correct coding and reporting standards. By utilizing the TOB code 0121, health care providers communicate that the claim is related to an inpatient hospitalization where the patient was admitted and treated over a continuous period, contributing essential information for payment processing and healthcare analytics. This knowledge ensures accurate billing practices and compliance with Medicare's regulations, critical for financial accountability in healthcare institutions.