You Be the Coder: Does Disease Counseling Earn Post-Op Pay?

Why This Topic Matters

Post-operative encounters can be difficult to classify, and incorrect assumptions about what is included in the global package can affect reimbursement and claim compliance. This article helps readers understand the broad distinction between routine recovery care and services tied to the underlying condition, while noting that payer policies may differ.

Article Sections

1. Question

   A reader asks about reporting an office visit during the post-operative period after a breast biopsy when the visit is for treatment discussion rather than surgical follow-up.

2. Answer

   The response addresses separate reporting of the visit, the general relevance of the underlying diagnosis, and high-level considerations about global surgical package policy.

3. Check diagnosis

   This section notes that some payers may look for additional diagnosis support for the encounter and advises checking payer preferences for reporting during the global period.