Archived - CMS Consults Prior to 2010 / Don't carve out pre-op clearance dollars from surgeon's fee

Article Overview

This archived Find-A-Code article explains a CMS perspective on consultation and preoperative clearance services in relation to surgical payment under Medicare. It is intended for coders, billers, compliance staff, and physicians who need a general understanding of how pre-op clearance and related evaluation-and-management services are discussed in the context of global surgical billing. The article addresses broad Medicare policy commentary, the role of another physician’s requested clearance, and when preoperative services are considered outside the surgeon’s global payment. It is a background piece for anyone reviewing historical CMS guidance on consults and surgery-related billing.