2 surgeons, 2 problems?

[jaldrich]

I have a surgeon who preformed a cecostomy on a patient. Several days later, while pt was still in hospital, the first surgeon turned care over to his partner because he was leaving town for 2 weeks. The second surgeon rounded on the patient and placed a PICC line for venous insufficiency and malnutrition.
Can surgeon #2 charge for the PICC line, or is it considered part of the global?

 

[cmartin]

I think he can, with a -79 modifier, as it isn't related to the cecostomy.
C.Martin, CPC-GENSG

 

[jaldrich]

However, mod. 79 is for same physician. What should I use if the physician changed and it's during post op period? bill out without a modifier and hope for the best. Appeal if denied?

 

[cmartin]

If they have the same federal ID#, they're considered the same physician for these purposes.

 

[jaldrich]

thank you!!