Wiki Medicare Consult during Post-op period

[wfisher67]

My doctor did surgery on this gentlemen in May. In July the patient was back in the hospital and we did a consult. I billed 99222 for the consult but Medicare denied stating this is included in the pre-post operative period.

Do I have to use a modifier on the consult in order to get paid by Medicare?

I appreciate the help.

 

[orthobiller2000]

if the physician sees the patient for a problem unrelated to the surgery, that service is payable. Indicate that the service was unrelated to the surgery using modifier 24 and the diagnosis for the new problem. You can look up modifer 24 in the front of the Cpt book also.

 

[wfisher67]

Thank you for your help.