Pediatric Coding Alert

Question: Codes 10060 and 10061 have a 10-day global fee, which means you cannot bill an E/M for anything related to that procedure within that time frame. If the patient, however, continues to have follow-up visits outside the global period, would it be appropriate to then report the E/M level that is supported for the services received? Example: Patient has 10061 billed on 6/15/09 --so any related visits billed through 6/25/09 would be considered global. Patient then has additional follow-up visits on: 6/26, 6/30, 7/3, 7/7, 7/10, and 7/14. What is the most appropriate way (if any) to bill for the six follow-up visits provided outside the global period? Does modifier 24 apply? Colorado Subscriber Answer: Technically, you should code each of the medically necessary office visits (99212-99215, Office or other outpatient visit for the evaluation and management of an established patient ...) that the pediatrician provides outside the 10-day [...]