OCT 13, 2023
Billable Follow up or Postoperative Visit?
A patient underwent cataract extraction surgery in one eye and subsequently had a follow-up appointment one week later with another physician in a different practice. This case is not being co-managed. The patient returned to the surgeon’s office questioning the diagnosis of conjunctivitis and moxifloxacin treatment initiated by the other physician. The patient exhibited calm and clear conjunctivae in both eyes, mild posterior epithelial edema in both corneas and a well-centered posterior chamber intraocular lens. Other clinical findings were within normal parameters.
Can the surgeon bill for this exam?
Answer:
In the absence of another problem, the visit would be considered postoperative care and not separately billable.