Ulcer Debridements included in Post op care?

[cdonner]

Can someone please clarify, I have a dr who states that debridements of ulcers/wounds are included in the post op care. Dr usually states they debrided a small eschar in office or unroofed with good beefy granulation tissue. Is this part of the global care package or should this be separately billable as wound/ulcer debridements 11042-11047?
Thanks

 

[thomas7331]

Under Medicare guidelines, if the debridements are related to the original surgery (e.g. at the same site) and do not involve a return to the OR, then it is included in the global surgical package and not separately billable. Some commercial payers may have different policies.

Here is a good reference booklet. See the list of services included and excluded from the package beginning on page 6:

Medicare includes the following services in the global surgery payment when provided in addition to the surgery:
• All additional medical or surgical services required of the surgeon during the post-operative period of
the surgery because of complications, which do not require additional trips to the operating room

https://www.cms.gov/Outreach-and-Education/Medicare-Learning-Network-MLN/MLNProducts/Downloads/GloballSurgery-ICN907166.pdf