Reader Questions:
Pre-Op vs. Post-Op Consult
Published on Sat Jan 23, 2010
Question:
Our podiatrist handled the preoperative consultation for a surgical case and was asked to see the patient again after surgery. Can we bill an E/M service for this? Washington Subscriber
Answer:
If the surgeon asks the podiatrist back after surgery, you can bill an E/M service for this. Whether you can report a consult (99241-99255) depends on the payer.
CPT has no limitation on the use of consultation codes before and after surgery but the consult always must be medically necessary.
Catch:
Medicare does not recognize consultations, as of Jan. 1, 2010. Instead, you must report outpatient (99201-99215) or inpatient (99221-99233) E/M services in place of consult codes to Medicare.
