Wiki post op visits to a preceding Procedure

[rykin7609]

I have a patient who came in for a colostomy reversal. After the procedure the patient developed an anastomotic leak with Sepsis. Five days after the first indication, the patient went back to the OR. My question is, can I bill for the very first day the infection started and up to the OR visit or can I only bill the visit just before the Operation? I always get confused about this

Thanks!
Allana

 

[eutsler]

Your doctor performed a colostomy takedown, then had to take the patient back to surgery 5 days later for an anastomotic leak?

The sepsis is due to the leak, which is a complication of the first surgery. Any E/M services during that 5 day period are part of the global package for the colostomy reversal surgery, you may only bill for the return to the OR. Don't forget to use modifier -78 on the repair of the leak.