Wiki Question on modifier in global period

[carol52]

Pt Had Incisional Hernia Repair is in a 90 day global, comes back in for an office visit few days later Dr performs an I & D of Seroma can an office visit be charged or is this part of the global package? Thanks for any help

 

[RonMcK3]

Carol52,

"Services included in the Global Period" (2011 CPC Certification Study Guide, p. 72):

3) Complications Following Surgery — All addition medical or surgical services required of the surgeon during the postoperative period of the surgery because of complications which do not require additional trips to the operating room. (rjm: emphasis added)
​

You note this was done in-office, so, per the above, it is included and not separately billed.

 

[carol52]

Thank you so much for your response.. I did not think there could be a charge for this.

 

[FTessaBartels]

Procedure is billable

Carol52 wrote (in part): Dr performs an I & D of Seroma

The global period covers E/M. Procedures (even office procedures) are separately billable. Don't forget your modifier!

Hope that helps.

F Tessa Bartels, CPC, CEMC