Forum - Questions & Answers
ortho coding/hip replacement
If a patient is going in for a hip replacement, and an xray of pelvis is done before and after the surgery, do i code 72170 only 1 time or twice with a modifier, if so which modifier?
re: ortho coding/hip replacement
You would code both as 72170; -x-rays are not inclusive to the global surgical package; if you are thinking you need a mod to exclude them from the global package.
re: ortho coding/hip replacement
Not sure there is a need to do before and after surgery. One would think the first x-ray would have been done on a previous day. The description includes 1 or 2 views so probably can only bill it one time. To my knowledge a payer most likely will only pay 1 unit. You can try billing the second and look at mod59 or 76. Based on a payer’s contract it may not even matter because could be bundled into the surgery.
re: ortho coding/hip replacement
The simple answer is bill on one line with 2 units, but I assume you mention a mod because you wish to get reimbursed for two, good luck. Generally, it may not be included in global but that assumption cannot be made with all payers.