Wiki Cellulitis during global

[obrienke]

When an infection happens after a procedure, does that warrant a billable E/M during a global period or is infection complication an inclusion of global? These are the two that I seem to come across in Podiatry. My searches don't seem to be clear.

Example #1: Infection of incisional site - prescribed antibiotic
Example #2: Cellulitis and drainage of great toe after permanent nail removal due to ingrown. - prescribed antibiotic obtained a wound culture.

 

[csperoni]

Medicare's take on this is conservative, and complications are not billable unless they result in a return to the operating room. Specifically INCLUDED:
All other medical or surgical services the surgeon provides during the post-operative period because the complications don’t require more trips to the operating room.

I understand that the AMA guidance on this is less restrictive. However, we follow the Medicare guidelines on this for all payors.