THELMAP
New
Just wanted to see if anyone had any guidance for billing an E&M in the post op period for diagnosis codes such as anemia, weight, smoking, kidney dysfunction, vitamin D deficiency etc. We have a new provider for an ORTHOPEDIC practice
that is wanting to bill E&M in the post op period for other issues that I feel are somewhat related to the surgeries he is performing. When I question him the answer I get is he is ordering labs and interpreting them and that it is a common issue for general musculoskeletal health maintenance to prevent osteopenia/osteoporosis and fractures and it can also affect the quality of the bone for surgical procedures and future bone health for subsequent injury prevention and bone surgery. I guess maybe I am looking at this ethically and thinking that it should be inclusive of the surgery itself and not separately billable. Even after charging the first post op then all the following visits are getting charged also. because now he is treating for the Vitamin D level. I am really confused at this point so any pointers would be very much appreciated. He does make a small section in the assessment and plan that he is billing for this MDM in the post op due to whatever the reasoning is. Thanks for any input.
that is wanting to bill E&M in the post op period for other issues that I feel are somewhat related to the surgeries he is performing. When I question him the answer I get is he is ordering labs and interpreting them and that it is a common issue for general musculoskeletal health maintenance to prevent osteopenia/osteoporosis and fractures and it can also affect the quality of the bone for surgical procedures and future bone health for subsequent injury prevention and bone surgery. I guess maybe I am looking at this ethically and thinking that it should be inclusive of the surgery itself and not separately billable. Even after charging the first post op then all the following visits are getting charged also. because now he is treating for the Vitamin D level. I am really confused at this point so any pointers would be very much appreciated. He does make a small section in the assessment and plan that he is billing for this MDM in the post op due to whatever the reasoning is. Thanks for any input.