05/23/2017

Permissible CPT Codes Billed During Post-Op Global Period-Surgery

What CPT codes are allowed to be billed during post op global period of a surgery? For example: x-rays are allowed. Are any of the physical therapy codes allowed if performed by the surgeon of record? are casts allowed? are foot strappings allowed? are injections allowed if needed for pain or to bring down swelling?

Physical therapy modalities may be performed by the surgeon within the global period with no restrictions. Other services, such as castings, strappings, and injections are included within the payment for the surgery and no additional payment will be made within the post-op period. The only exception to the rule would be if one of these services was performed for another reason not related to the surgery where Modifier-79 would be appended to each line item to show that the service is unrelated to the surgery.

***Please note that this may not apply to all insurance companies, therefore, it’s important to call them for benefit coverage.