Medicare Compliance & Reimbursement - 2019 Issue 6
Reader Question: Determine How to Code Split Service
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Article Overview
This article addresses a coding question about emergency department follow-up care when a second physician handles a staple-removal service after an earlier procedure. It explains the general topics involved, including postoperative care, global periods, and whether an evaluation and management service may be the appropriate way to report the follow-up visit. The piece is useful for coders working in emergency medicine or other settings where split services and same-group physician care can raise billing questions.
Why This Topic Matters
Questions about split services and follow-up care can affect whether a later encounter is treated as part of routine postoperative care or as a separately reportable service. Understanding the broad framework helps coding staff review the original procedure, the timing of care, and the relationship between physicians in the same group.
What You Will Learn
- How split-service questions are framed in emergency department coding
- Why postoperative care and global periods matter in follow-up service review
- When a follow-up evaluation and management service may be considered in general terms
- How same-group physician scenarios can complicate coding decisions
Who Should Read This
- Medical coders
- Emergency department coding staff
- Billing specialists
- Compliance staff
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