You Be the Coder:
Trabeculectomy Revision
Published on Mon Jul 26, 2010
Question:
I am trying to bill a revision for a trabeculectomy. I coded the initial procedure as 66170. What code and what modifier should I use? The revision is taking place within 30 days of the initial surgery by the same physician. Florida Subscriber
Answer:
The answer depends on whether your ophthalmologist performed the revision in the office or required a return to the operating room (OR). For revision procedures provided in the office, Medicare considers the revision part of the post-op care, and you cannot separately bill for it. For revision requiring a return to the OR, you should report 66250 (
Revision or repair of operative wound of anterior segment, any type, early or late, major or minor procedure), according to most payers. Append modifier 78 (
Unplanned return to the operating/procedure room by the same physician following initial procedure for a related procedure during the postoperative period) to indicate that the procedure falls within the global period of the original surgery.