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 your username or password use our password reminder tool. To start viewing messages, select the forum that you want to visit from the selection below..
I need to fine documentation on how many times a physician can charge a postpartum care on a patient. I was the understanding code 59430 was for all the day in the hospital and the follow up in the office.
You bill the code once and it includes all of the postpartum care.
Per CPT Assistant, August 2002, "postpartum care begins after delivery, and includes the recovery room visit, any uncomplicated inpatient hospital postpartum visits, and uncomplicated outpatient visits."
Most payors' consider the postpartum period to be 6 weeks folllowing the delivery. (You'll want to check w/ each of your payors for their individual guidelines).
On the other hand, if the pt comes in for something other than routine postpartum care, this can be reported separately. (Again, check w/ you payors for their guidelines). I would use modifier -24 in these situations.
CPT Assistant says that management of inpatient or outpatient medical problems unrelated to the pregnancy, or complications related to pregnancy are not included.