Wiki Billing a concult code while still in Global.

[messinar]

are you allowed to bill a consult code, if the physician is called to consult in the ER for a patient he has performed surgery on in the previous month?

 

[dclark7]

If it's for a different problem then yes and you would use a modifier 24.

 

[mdoyle53]

Is it the same problem or a different?

If the same, is it necessary to go back to the OR?

If not the same problem (diagnosis) the answer is yes.

Global is only for the surgery performed.

 

[ajs]

are you allowed to bill a consult code, if the physician is called to consult in the ER for a patient he has performed surgery on in the previous month?

The ER doctor is not requesting a "consult", what the ER doctor generally wants the consulting provider to assume care management for the patient. Your provider got the request and rendered the service, but there is not a written report back to the ER doctor.

Your provider would bill an E/M service code for the site of service, whether it was in the ER or if he admitted the patient to the hospital.

 

[mdoyle53]

The written report can be part of the hospital chart. The posing questions does not indicate the consult is to take over the service - so it depends on whether it is a transfer of service or truly looking for an opinion.