When sutures are removed at the post op appointment, isn't that considered part of the post op and part of the global and there would be no charge for that? When I referrence the surgical package definition in CPT it states "typical postoperative follow-up care", which I would consider suture removal to be.
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Wiki Suture removal post operatively
- Thread starter jlv1980
- Start date
terrij38
Networker
suture removal
yes that is considered a part of the post op
yes that is considered a part of the post op
halebill
Guest
Agreed, suture removal included in global period. If they are removed (without anesthesia) beyond the global period, you should report the appropriate E/M charge (typically level 2 or 3) linked with code V58.32 Encounter for change or removal of sutures.
Bill Hale, CPC
Bill Hale, CPC