Wiki Modifier 25 in Wound Clinic

[cbooker]

We have a surgeon that treats patients in the Wound Clinic. When billing he usually bills for a debridement as well as an E/M level with a 25 modifier attached to the level. Is measuring the wound and mentioning the degree of healing justified as an E/M level? Does anyone know if there is minutes of E/M service attached to the debridement codes (11040-11042)?

 

[mitchellde]

If the patient is scheduled to come in for a debridemenr then no OV, if the patient is scheduled for a wound check and during the exam the physician makes a decision to perform a debridement then as long as the documentation is complete and supports then yes an OV with a 25. And there are no minutes connected to debridement codes.