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GSCoder07

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I have a patient that had a cholecystectomy. The physician that performed the surgery is trying to bill for the inpatient subsequent days following the surgery. The patient developed a leak from his drain. They did not know for days if it was from bile or ascites. One of the physicians said that cirrhosis of the liver was found during surgery and that ascites was expected. It turns out it was ascites and not bile afterall. Can the physcian bill for the subsequent visits even though they didn't know if it was a bile leak (which would be considered a complication, therefore no billable)? I'm thinking he can because it didn't turn out to be bile. I don't know if I'm thinking too much on this one or not but I sure would appreciate any help!! :eek:
 
That does sound like it would be billable as the leak wasn't confirmed while being treated. If this was my physician, I would bill it with the -24 modifier and then supply documentation if requested.
 
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