A surgeon’s global surgical package RVUs include routine postoperative visits in the global period. The patient returns for a typical related postop check. What payment expectation is usually correct for a separate E/M?
Select an answer to reveal the explanation.
Short Explanation
The surgery payment already packed a lunch for the routine postop visits—that’s the global package. A normal related check-in usually does not get a second E/M paycheck. Save separate E/M billing for the real exceptions, with the right modifier story when rules allow.
Full Explanation
Global surgical package valuation typically includes routine postoperative care within the global period, so related routine E/M services are usually not separately payable. Separate E/M payment may apply only when documentation and modifiers support an unrelated or otherwise excepted service under CPT/CMS global rules. Coders should not routinely unbundle postop visits or misstate claim type to circumvent global inclusion.