Richard Mann, CCA: My last position was in a physician office, and our rule was if there was an office visit that became a procedure, then the procedure only was coded.
In this PDF file, go to page 85 and read the section entitled “C. Minor Surgeries and Endoscopies.” This talks about global surgical periods that would include the office visit or consultation, unless it is a “significant, separately identifiable service.” If the office visit or consultation meets these criteria, then append modifier -25. Please look at the modifier -25 rules in any CPT coding edition. If you Google “global surgical periods,” you will find more information.
