Wiki D&C following C-Section

[TTcpc]

A patient had a repeat C-section and later developed post partum hemorrhage due to atonic uterus requiring a D&C. When coding the dx for the C-Section would you consider the hemorrhage a post partum complication since it occurred a little over 3 hours after the C-section case was over and would you use the modifier 78 to get both procedures considered? The C-Section was 0715-0917 and the D&C took place from 1249-1330.


Thank you!

 

[jreavis]

Why wouldn't you bill the higher base procedure and all of the time (both procedures). Rarely will you ever get paid for both procedures even with a modifier due to one anesthesia procedure per day. Use both dx.

 

[lovetocode]

You can bill anesthesia for the C-section and the D&C. The diagnosis for the D&C would be the postpartum complication. I am unsure about modifier 78. We do not usually add it to the charge, however, after reading the definition of this modifier, I would agree that it applies to this situation.