Wiki Injury related / billable?

[t.rock.tara]

I did a search on the subject of billing for injury caused by the surgeon and I think the examples given were from the time of the injury. So I know not to charge for the repair but I am still undecided if we should bill for an exploratory laparotomy 5 days post-op?

Ex: Whipple procedure was done, surgeon injures a vein which was repaired. - I did not bill the vein repair. This pt was taken back to OR 5 days later for an exploratory laparotomy. Would I bill for the laparotomy if dx will result in complication of prev procedure?

Please help. Thank you!

 

[susanp]

Medicare will pay for return trips to the OR in the post-operative global period after another procedure. I would append modifier 78 or 79 depending on the findings during the exploratory laparotomy.

If this is another carrier, contact them to see what their payment policy is on return trips to the OR during the post-operative period.

 

[annakilker]

I have billed every return trip to the OR. Please tell me if there is a problem with that, I have not had a denial from any carrier.

 

[t.rock.tara]

Thank you for the responses. I will you keep you posted if I have problems with reimbursement.