“I performed a partial 1st ray amputation that included the hallux and part of the 1st metatarsal. The site did not heal, and a new infection developed at the amputation site. The result is a return to the operating room for a right trans-metatarsal amputation. For the subsequent surgery, I used Modifier 78. After all, this was an unplanned return to the operating room. I evaluated the patient post operatively and I am wondering which date should I be using for the 90-day global period?”
by Dr. Paul Kesselman, CEO PARK DPM Consulting LLC
June 21, 2021
By mbrody
0 Comments
Recently there was a report in a publication received mostly by Orthotic and Prosthetic (O&P) providers (mostly orthotists, prosthetists and pedorthists) that created quite a stir for several podiatrists They thought based on this story, that the sky was falling and that DPM's were no longer going to be able to provide certain DME services in 17 states where licensure requirements are in existence.
“Since the global period for a toe amputation is now zero days, does that mean I bill for removing sutures in the office when I do a follow up visit in 14 days? Billing for this, seems very uncomfortable to me.”
Think of it as being graded on the curve. If you score a 95 on a test you think you have a good grade, but if class average on that test was a 98 you will get a poor grade. Scoring for quality measures is similar to that type of grading.
