Advanced Search

Neurosurgery Coding Alert

Reader Questions:

Consider Reason for Office Consult Post-Decompression

Published on Fri Aug 27, 2010

Question: One of our patients had surgery for a decompression. The patient returned to the office within the global period for a consult with our other surgeon who specializes in fusions and it was decided the patient needed to return to the operating room for a fusion along with a re-do decompression. I'm questioning if we can charge for the office visit or would the consulting surgeon's services be part of the global even though he's addressing a continued issue. Any help would be appreciated. California SubscriberAnswer: You would not report the E/M because the evaluation service was related to the original reason for surgery. However, if the subsequent surgery is performed within the global period of the first decompression, modifier 58 may apply to the subsequent procedure.
You’ve reached your limit of free articles. Already a subscriber? Log in.
Not a subscriber? Subscribe today to continue reading this article. Plus, you’ll get:
  • Simple explanations of current healthcare regulations and payer programs
  • Real-world reporting scenarios solved by our expert coders
  • Industry news, such as MAC and RAC activities, the OIG Work Plan, and CERT reports
  • Instant access to every article ever published in your eNewsletter
  • 6 annual AAPC-approved CEUs*
  • The latest updates for CPT®, ICD-10-CM, HCPCS Level II, NCCI edits, modifiers, compliance, technology, practice management, and more
*CEUs available with select eNewsletters.

Other Articles in this issue of

Neurosurgery Coding Alert

View All