Ophthalmology and Optometry Coding Alert
Postsuture Removal
South Carolina Subscriber
Answer: The Medicare Carriers Manual (MCM) says that the global surgical package includes local incisional care and removal of cutaneous sutures and staples. Although ocular sutures are not specifically referenced, this section is used by Medicare carriers to support including suture removal in the global package post-op period. There isnt a CPT code for suture removal, so refer the physicians to the MCM.
If the patient is seen for a reason unrelated to the surgery, file an evaluation and management (E/M) code with the -24 (unrelated evaluation and management service by the same physician during a postoperative period) modifier attached and a different diagnosis. (Some readers may recall that there was once a HCPCS T code for suture removal. It was deleted when Health Care Financing Administration decided suture removal should be included in global packages.)
Ophthalmology and Optometry Coding Alert
- You Be the Coder:
Modifiers -25 and -57
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