New point of origin code for alternate COVID-19 care sites

CMS released a new point of origin code for patients transferred from alternate care sites established during the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) public health emergency. The new code “G” (transfer from a designated disaster alternative care site [ACS]) is effective July 1, according to Transmittal 10178.

CMS allowed hospitals to treat temporary expansion sites, such as field hospitals or buildings temporarily converted for healthcare use, as temporary extensions of their existing hospital locations. Although there is a discharge status code for these ACSs—69 (discharged/transferred to a designated disaster alternative care site)—there was no corresponding point of origin code. Transmittal 10178 addresses that misalignment.

Hospitals should ensure their billing staff are notified of the new point of origin code and any necessary updates to billing systems are complete by July 1.