“A Medicare patient is admitted to the hospital for a foot infection and suspected osteomyelitis of the left, fourth toe. Amputation of the toe is done at the metatarsophalangeal level and billed CPT 28820-T3. However, post-operative x-rays reveal that there is residual bone, presumably from the base of the proximal phalanx that remains. The patient is taken back to surgery a few days later for removal of the residual bone. This was done during the same hospitalization. Would this be coded as CPT 28124-78? Would the -78 modifier not apply since there is no global for the amputation? Could CPT 28124 be billed without a modifier?”
What E/M code would you bill for initial evaluation at an “inpatient” acute care facility in a long term, rehabilitation unit? What “place of service” would you use?
“I received notice I am being selected for a TPE (targeted probe & education) review by Novitas Medicare. I practice in New Jersey. I have gone over the LCDs and the “educational” materials they sent. My documentation seems to be aligned with what they want. Any advice for working with them to have this resolved as soon as possible? Any things to avoid? Should I have someone other than myself act as a liaison between Medicare and me?”
