May 19, 2022

Question:
I had to take a patient back to the operating room 6 weeks after breast reduction to excise a small dehiscence and close the wound. Can I bill for this?

Answer:
Yes, you may bill for the service and you’ll need to use modifier 78 (return to the OR for a related procedure) on your billed code(s). Most payors will reduce your payment by a small percentage (20 – 30%) but you’ll stay in the same 90-day postoperative global period as the breast reduction procedure.

*This response is based on the best information available as of 05/19/22.