PACKAGE OR GLOBAL FEE CONCEPT: Listed surgical procedures include the surgery itself, local anesthesia,
metacarpal/digital block, or topical anesthesia when used, and normal, uncomplicated follow-up care. The Unit
Values for all procedures in this section applies to this "package" or "global" service for surgical procedures. To
report a postoperative follow-up for documentation purposes only, use 99024 (see Special Services and Reports
Section). For preoperative visits, see Ground Rules 3 and 4 below; see the respective Anesthesia Ground Rule
pertaining to anesthesia administered by other than an anesthesiologist or anesthetist.
OPERATIVE REPORT AND BILLING: A bill for an operative procedure shall be deemed properly submitted only
if an operative report or an informative description of the surgery performed is received by the payer. If surgery
was performed in a hospital or an ambulatory surgery center, a copy of the hospital's or ambulatory surgery
center's operative report will suffice. If surgery was performed at some other site and classified as minor surgery,
such as at a physician's office, identify the (geographic) location and submit an informative description of the
surgery performed.
IMMEDIATE PREOPERATIVE VISITS AND OTHER SERVICES BY THE SURGEON: Under most
circumstances, including ordinary referrals, the immediate preoperative visit in the hospital or elsewhere that is
necessary to examine the patient, or to initiate the treatment program, is included in the Unit Value listed for the
surgical procedure.
SEPARATE PREOPERATIVE CHARGES: Charges for separate preoperative procedures are sometimes
warranted and may be billed under the following circumstances:
a) when the preoperative visit is the initial visit (e.g., an emergency) and prolonged detention or
evaluation is required to prepare the patient, or to establish the need for and type of surgical
procedure.
