If this is your first visit, be sure to check out the FAQ & read the forum rules. To view all forums, post or create a new thread, you must be an AAPC Member. If you are a member and have already registered for member area and forum access, you can log in by clicking here. If you've forgotten your username or password use our password reminder tool. To start viewing messages, select the forum that you want to visit from the selection below..
We had a patient who insisted on having Lidocaine injected before her staple removal. Would this still be considered part of the global or would provider be able to charge for the Lidocaine injection?
We had a patient who insisted on having Lidocaine injected before her staple removal. Would this still be considered part of the global or would provider be able to charge for the Lidocaine injection?
No you cannot bill for lidocaine unless delivered IV for a therapeutic reason. When it is patient decision for comfort you should probably have a firm the patient signs accepting the financial responsibility for the drug and injection for a flat fee payable up front.
In this situation, the staple removal is part of the global portion of the surgery. If the patient's comfort was the issue, I would have had the patient sign an ABN and had the patient pay for the lidocaine up-front prior to giving this. I would then file the injection to the insurance company with Modifier GZ to let the insurance company know that you are filing just for a denial to have for the patient record.