G0379 HCPCS code: Direct admission of patient for hospital observation care
G0379 is the HCPCS Level II code for direct admission of patient for hospital observation care. Its Medicare coverage code is D (Special coverage instructions apply): Medicare covers it when its national or local coverage criteria are met. The NCCI unit limit is 1 per day on outpatient hospital claims.
Code details
| Field | Value |
|---|---|
| Section | G codes — Procedures and professional services (temporary) |
| Coverage code | D — Special coverage instructions apply |
| Pricing indicator | 00 — Not separately priced by Medicare |
| BETOS category | M2A |
| Added | 2006-01-01 |
| Last action effective | 2010-01-01 |
NCCI unit limits (MUE)
| Claim type | Max units per day | Rationale |
|---|---|---|
| outpatient hospital claims | 1 | CMS Policy |
Medicare policy articles for this code
- A56673: Billing and Coding: Outpatient Observation Bed/Room Services (Palmetto GBA (MAC - Part A))
Covered diagnoses (1 ICD-10-CM codes)
The diagnoses most often listed as covered in the policy articles above:
| ICD-10-CM | Diagnosis | Articles listing it |
|---|---|---|
| XX000 | Not Applicable | 1 |
What changed for G0379
- 2006-01-01: G0379 added to HCPCS Level II
- Next scheduled CMS quarterly update (HCPCS and DMEPOS fee schedule): 2027-01-01
Frequently asked questions
What is HCPCS code G0379?
G0379 is the HCPCS Level II code for direct admission of patient for hospital observation care. Short descriptor: "Direct refer hospital observ".
Does Medicare cover G0379?
Coverage code D — Special coverage instructions apply. Medicare covers it when its national or local coverage criteria are met.
Which diagnoses support coverage for G0379?
Medicare policy articles that cite G0379 list 1 covered ICD-10-CM diagnosis codes across 1 article. The most cited include XX000 (Not Applicable). A listed diagnosis is necessary but not sufficient; the policy's other criteria still apply.
How many units of G0379 can be billed per day?
1 on outpatient hospital claims (NCCI medically unlikely edits).
Related G03 codes
- G0300 — Direct skilled nursing services of a licensed practical nurse (lpn) in the home health or hospice setting, each 15 minutes
- G0302 — Pre-operative pulmonary surgery services for preparation for lvrs, complete course of services, to include a minimum of 16 days of services
- G0303 — Pre-operative pulmonary surgery services for preparation for lvrs, 10 to 15 days of services
- G0304 — Pre-operative pulmonary surgery services for preparation for lvrs, 1 to 9 days of services
- G0305 — Post-discharge pulmonary surgery services after lvrs, minimum of 6 days of services
- G0306 — Complete cbc, automated (hgb, hct, rbc, wbc, without platelet count) and automated wbc differential count
- G0307 — Complete (cbc), automated (hgb, hct, rbc, wbc; without platelet count)
- G0308 — Creation of subcutaneous pocket with insertion of 180 day implantable interstitial glucose sensor, including system activation and patient training
- G0309 — Removal of implantable interstitial glucose sensor with creation of subcutaneous pocket at different anatomic site and insertion of new 180 day implantable sensor, including system activation
- G0310 — Immunization counseling by a physician or other qualified health care professional when the vaccine(s) is not administered on the same date of service, 5 to 15 mins time (this code is used for medicaid billing purposes)
- G0311 — Immunization counseling by a physician or other qualified health care professional when the vaccine(s) is not administered on the same date of service, 16-30 mins time (this code is used for medicaid billing purposes)
- G0312 — Immunization counseling by a physician or other qualified health care professional when the vaccine(s) is not administered on the same date of service for ages under 21, 5 to 15 mins time (this code is used for medicaid billing purposes)
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Next steps
- Run a reimbursement report for a device billed under G0379
- Watch G0379 for fee, coverage and descriptor changes
- Build a full Medicare revenue model for G0379
Sources: CMS HCPCS Level II release October 2025; CMS DMEPOS fee schedule; CMS NCCI MUE tables; CMS Medicare utilization (physician and DME supplier files); CMS Medicare Coverage Database articles. Fees are Medicare allowables, not commercial rates. Not billing or legal advice.