How To Use CPT Code 99024

CPT 99024 describes the postoperative follow-up visit that is typically included in the surgical package. This article will cover the description, procedure, qualifying circumstances, appropriate usage, documentation requirements, billing guidelines, historical information, similar codes and billing examples.

1. What is CPT Code 99024?

CPT 99024 can be used to indicate that an evaluation and management service was performed during the postoperative period for a reason related to the original procedure. This code is used to track the provision of postoperative follow-up visits, even though it is a zero-charge code and should not be billed separately.

2. Official Description

The official description of CPT code 99024 is: ‘Postoperative follow-up visit, normally included in the surgical package, to indicate that an evaluation and management service was performed during a postoperative period for a reason(s) related to the original procedure.’

3. Procedure

1. During the global period of a surgery, the provider performs an evaluation and management service related to the original procedure.
2. The service provided during the postoperative follow-up visit is typically of the type that is included in the global period.
3. The purpose of using CPT 99024 is to track the provision of the service without billing for it separately.

4. Qualifying circumstances

CPT 99024 is used when the provider furnishes an evaluation and management service to a patient for a condition or reason related to a procedure during the global period of that procedure. The global period is the time in which the provider does not separately report related evaluation and management services offered before, during, or after the surgery. The global period can range from 0 or 10 days to 90 days, depending on the procedure.

5. When to use CPT code 99024

CPT 99024 should be used to indicate that an evaluation and management service was performed during the postoperative period for a reason related to the original procedure. However, it should not be billed separately as it is a zero-charge code. It is important to note that distinct, appropriate codes can still be reported for unrelated services offered during the postoperative visit.

6. Documentation requirements

To support the use of CPT 99024, the documentation should include the patient’s improvement and treatment options noted during the visit, rather than standard evaluation and management service documentation. It is crucial to document the reason for the postoperative follow-up visit and its relation to the original procedure.

7. Billing guidelines

CPT 99024 should not be billed separately as it is a zero-charge code. It is used for tracking purposes to indicate that an evaluation and management service was performed during the postoperative period. However, distinct, appropriate codes can be reported for unrelated services offered during the postoperative visit. It is important to review the specific guidelines and requirements of insurance carriers and payers when billing for postoperative services.

8. Historical information

CPT 99024 was added to the Current Procedural Terminology system on January 1, 1990. There have been no updates or changes to the code since its addition.

9. Examples

1. A patient undergoes a knee replacement surgery, and during the postoperative follow-up visit, the provider assesses the patient’s progress, discusses pain management options, and provides guidance on physical therapy exercises.
2. After a gallbladder removal surgery, the provider sees the patient for a postoperative visit to evaluate the incision site, discuss any concerns or complications, and provide instructions for diet and activity restrictions.
3. Following a cataract surgery, the provider performs a postoperative follow-up visit to check the patient’s visual acuity, assess for any signs of infection or inflammation, and address any questions or concerns the patient may have.
4. After a hernia repair surgery, the provider conducts a postoperative visit to examine the surgical site, assess for any signs of recurrence or complications, and provide instructions for wound care and activity restrictions.
5. Following a tonsillectomy, the provider sees the patient for a postoperative visit to evaluate the healing process, assess for any signs of bleeding or infection, and provide guidance on pain management and diet.
6. After a cesarean section, the provider performs a postoperative follow-up visit to check the incision site, assess the healing of the uterus, discuss contraception options, and address any concerns the patient may have.
7. Following a cardiac bypass surgery, the provider conducts a postoperative visit to evaluate the patient’s cardiac function, assess for any signs of complications, and provide guidance on cardiac rehabilitation and lifestyle modifications.
8. After a colon resection surgery, the provider sees the patient for a postoperative visit to assess the healing of the surgical site, discuss bowel function, and provide instructions for diet and activity modifications.
9. Following a breast augmentation surgery, the provider performs a postoperative follow-up visit to evaluate the healing of the incision sites, assess for any signs of infection or implant complications, and address any questions or concerns the patient may have.