Modifier Use: Remember These 3 Facts, Bust This 1 Myth, for Accurate Modifier 24 Application

Why This Topic Matters

Accurate handling of postoperative services can affect claim acceptance, compliance, and audit risk. The article helps readers distinguish between services included in a surgical package and services that may be separately reportable during the global period.

Article Sections

1. Global Days Are Essential

   This section introduces global surgical packages and explains the broad categories of services included in postoperative periods. It also reviews which types of services may fall outside the package and therefore require closer coding review.

2. 24 Only Applies to E/M Codes

   This section focuses on the scope of modifier 24 and its relationship to evaluation and management reporting during a global period. It emphasizes the need to distinguish E/M services from procedures when considering modifier use.

3. Auditors Examine Whether Visit Was Related to Surgery

   This section describes documentation and audit considerations that affect how postoperative visits are evaluated. It highlights the importance of record support when distinguishing related from unrelated services.

4. Myth: Returning Patients to the OR Warrants Modifier 24

   This section addresses a common misconception about postoperative complications and return-to-OR scenarios. It contrasts that situation with other modifier considerations discussed in the article.