Wiki orthopedic coding question

[Kristene]

I am reviewing our orthopedic surgeon code selection. He has a visit that he marked as a consultation however the dictated report did not specifically state it was a consultation visit so I know that code cannot be used. What I am wondering is when the patient comes back for surgery are we still allowed to use the post op global service code even though the initial visit will now be an office visit E/M instead of consult...I'm drawing a blank on this. (Hope this makes sense!)
Appreciate any feedback
Kris

 

[kathylw]

Post op coding

The intial E/M visit code does not determine post op coding. If your doctor is going to do surgery on this person he is assuming the care of the patient and cannot bill a consult, he would bill the appropriate new or established E/M. After surgery he would bill the 99024 post op code during the surgery global period. Kathlw