Neurosurgery Coding Alert

Question: For a related procedure done in global period with modifier 78 attached, should we expect 100% allowable payment or it is less being related to the previous procedure? If it is less, how much is it compared to the actual allowable amount?

New York Subscriber

Answer: 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 postoperative period) is for an unplanned return to the procedure room during the postoperative period. When reporting modifier 78, you only receive reimbursement for the surgical portion of the code. You get no payment for the postoperative care as the patient is already in a global postoperative period for the original surgery for which you were or will be reimbursed. The global period will remain related to the initial procedure performed.