• If this is your first visit, be sure to check out the FAQ & read the forum rules. To view all forums, post or create a new thread, you must be an AAPC Member. If you are a member and have already registered for member area and forum access, you can log in by clicking here. If you've forgotten the password it can be reset on our sign in section by entering your registered Email Address or Username here. To start viewing messages, select the forum that you want to visit from the selection below..

Wiki Complication in global period Modifier 24 for E&M

coffee2day

Networker
Messages
62
Location
Roseville, CA
Best answers
0
Hello,

If a patient develops post op infection during the global period, say pacemaker infection and returns to the OR, is it correct that we cannot bill the e&m hospital visits with modifier 24 still? I am getting mixed advice.

From reading the medicare guide, it reads to me that only the return procedure can be billed, and that "it does not include a patient's room". Which makes me think we cannot bill the e&m hospital visit with modifier 24 for a complication, is this correct? Some say that we can bill an e&m in an hospital or office visit in the global with a complication diagnosis if a decision to return to OR was made, but I can't find resources supporting this. Any advice would be greatly appreciated, thank you!

"Treatment for post-operative complications requiring a return trip to the Operating Room (OR). An OR, for this purpose, is defined as a place of service specifically equipped and staffed for the sole purpose of performing procedures. The term includes a cardiac catheterization suite, a laser suite, and an endoscopy suite. It does not include a patient’s room, a minor treatment room, a recovery room, or an intensive care unit (unless the patient’s condition was so critical there would be insufficient time for transportation to an OR);
 
By definition mod 24 is for unrelated E&M. E&M for the complication is related.

Also here is a informational page on modifier 24. Focus on the what is not appropriate for the modifier

https://www.novitas-solutions.com/w...-state=rjhz45cu2_4&_afrLoop=2384446196945000#!

Inappropriate Use
Do not use Modifier 24 when:
· The E/M is for a surgical complication or infection. This treatment is part of the surgery package.
· The service is removal of sutures or other wound treatment. This treatment is part of the surgery package.
· The surgeon admits a patient to a skilled nursing facility for a condition related to the surgery.
· The medical record documentation clearly indicates the E/M is related to the surgery.
· Outside of the post-op period of a procedure.
· Services are rendered on the same day as the procedure
· Reporting exams performed for routine postoperative care.
· Reporting surgical procedures, labs, x-rays, or supply codes.
 
Last edited:
Top