tci General Surgery Coding Alert - 2016 Issue 11

Reader Question: 78 Modifier Identifies Complication During Global

Question: Our surgeon performed a partial colectomy with anastomosis. Six days later, the patient returns to the surgeon, who must return the patient to surgery to treat an extensive, complicated fascial dehiscence. How should I report this case? Can I bill for the second procedure since it occurred during the global period? SuperCoder Subscriber Answer: For the initial procedure, you should report 44140 (Colectomy, partial; with anastomosis). For the return to surgery to repair the fascial dehiscence, report 13160 (Secondary closure of surgical wound or dehiscence, extensive or complicated) with modifier 78 (Unplanned return to the operating/procedure room by...

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