August 11, 2022

Question:
Can I bill an office visit in the global period if the diagnosis is different from why I did the original procedure?

Answer:
Yes, as long as the diagnosis is not for a related issue (e.g., complication from the original procedure). The documentation must be clear that the condition is unrelated to the original procedure and reflect a clear plan of treatment for the new/unrelated issue. You will then append modifier 24 (unrelated E/M in a global period) to the E/M code.

*This response is based on the best information available as of 08/11/22.