Ob-Gyn Coding Alert

Question: When the nurse delivers the baby because the ob-gyn is in the next room doing an episiotomy on another patient, should we still bill global?

Iowa Subscriber

Answer: You can if the payer allows it. Use a global code such as 59400 (Routine obstetric care including antepartum care, vaginal delivery [with or without episiotomy, and/or forceps] and postpartum care).
 
You should probably add modifier 52 (Reduced services) to explain that the ob-gyn was not present. Be sure to include information about which part of the process he did participate in, so you-ll lessen the impact of any fee reduction the payer might apply.