Postoperative visits

I was wondering if someone could tell the rules on postop visits. I have one office that the provider makes sure the postop visit is outside the global period so that she can get paid for the visit. I have looked but really have not found anything that says you cannot do this, but I would like to be sure.

Thanks so much!

Bonnie

How do you spell fraud???

If you systematically schedule post-op visits outside the global period, it is fraud, plan and simple. There may be an opportunity for you to file a qui tam lawsuit and collect a reward if she is found to be defrauding Medicare.

10 day global

I bill for a couple of procedures that have a 10 day global period. Frequently the physician is still doing followup care past the 10 day global. What are some thoughts on billing those as an office visit? The intent on the visit is clearly post-op followup.

Postoperative visits

I agree with Signaturedoc. This is an OIG and CMS red flag!