Wiki Critical care during postop

[vonnadawn]

Hi Gang,

Is critical care billable during the post op period by the operating surgeon???

My doc performed surgery for a perforated appendix and admitted the patient to the ICU. Patient is having complications post op as a result of how extensive the perforation was (abscessed). I can't find anything that addresses whether or not he can bill for the critical care he has performed bedside in the ICU.

 

[FTessaBartels]

No

Sorry, but no.

If clearly documented as NOT related to the surgery, care in the post-op global period can be coded with a -24 modifier. But a complication of the surgery is clearly related.

Hope that helps.

F Tessa Bartels, CPC, CEMC