Urology Coding Alert

Hint: Focus on the documentation, not the diagnosis codes.To ensure payment for E/M services your physician performs within the global period of a surgical procedure, you must know the ins and outs of modifier 24 (Unrelated evaluation and management service by the same physician during a postoperative period). At times even seasoned billers struggle with this modifier. Overcome modifier 24 claim challenges by busting five myths that will lead to denial after denial if you fall into their billing trap. Myth #1: Modifier 24 Applies To Any Service Done In the Post-Op PeriodYou should only append modifier 24 to an appropriate E/M code when an E/M service occurs during a postoperative global period for reasons unrelated to the original procedure. Modifier 24 tells the payer that the surgeon is seeing the patient for a new problem. Modifier 24 is "only for use on E/M codes, and only for use during [...]