Use modifier -24 for unrelated E/M visits during the post-op

Article Overview

This article discusses how postoperative evaluation and management services may be distinguished from the original surgical service when the visit concerns a separate issue. It focuses on modifier -24, the need for diagnosis support and documentation, and how guidance from CPT and Medicare-related sources addresses related versus unrelated care in the global period. The piece is aimed at physicians, orthopedists, coders, and billing staff who handle postoperative claims and denial prevention.