E/M Coding Alert - 2011 Issue 5
Reader Questions: You Can't Choose Not to Bill for Post-Surgical Care
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Article Overview
This reader Q&A discusses whether a practice can extend postoperative global periods to provide free care for patients with limited incomes. It explains the compliance and payer-contract considerations involved, and outlines general practice approaches for handling unpaid patient balances and documenting financial hardship.
Why This Topic Matters
It helps practices understand the billing and compliance implications of providing post-surgical services without charge and the documentation expectations tied to financial hardship arrangements.
Article Sections
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Question
Introduces a billing scenario involving postoperative care and limited patient resources.
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Answer
Addresses the general compliance and billing considerations raised by the scenario.
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Here's why:
Explains the broader regulatory, payer, and practice-management issues associated with post-surgical services and unpaid balances.
What You Will Learn
- How postoperative global periods relate to billing practices
- Why financial hardship policies matter in practice management
- What general documentation is expected when balances are written off
- How payer and compliance considerations can affect post-surgical care billing
Who Should Read This
- Physician practices
- Medical coders
- Billing staff
- Practice managers
- Compliance personnel
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