Gastroenterology Coding Alert

Tip: Check for "return to OR" phrasing to support reporting. You might be losing out on precious reimbursement if you're not appropriately applying modifier 78 when your gastroenterologist performs a follow-up service to address a complication arising after an initial surgical procedure. Keep these modifier 78 tips handy to accurately report complication procedures. Don't Assume Modifier 78 is Not Allowed Within the Global Period One common mistake that many coders make is to assume that any procedure done within the global period of an initial surgical procedure is not separately payable. If your gastroenterologist performs another procedure in the operating room or endoscopy suite that is related to the initial procedure, you should always see if there is the possibility of using the modifier 78 (Unplanned return to the operating/procedure room by the same physician or other qualified health care professional following initial procedure for a related procedure during the [...]