Part B Insider (Multispecialty) Coding Alert

Reader Question:

Do E/M Codes Have Global Periods?

Question: One of our providers saw a patient in the ER who had a wound on her knee. All that went on the ER bill was an E/M code. The next day, the patient came in as an outpatient and saw the same doctor, and this time he did some debridement (not extensive). Can we actually submit a charge for his work on the outpatient the next day?

Answer: Yes, the visit on the second day is reportable since E/M visits do not have a multiple day global package. If the chart documentation justifies a second E/M and debridement, you could report both. ED E/M codes do not differentiate between new and established patients.

 

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