Postop visit

[jwangelin]

Can you bill for a OV if a patient who was pregnant, had pregnancy-induced hypertension during her pregnancy, had a C-section, and then came into the office 1 week after having the c-section, to have a blood pressure check.  She did see the Dr., but I thought that maybe the OV would be considered during the postoperative period and could not be billed as an OV.

[Michele]

If the Dr doing the blood pressure check is part of the OB-GYN office then the visit would be considered part of the post op care (in my opinion).  I actually had this personally happen to me.  I had to go in to have blood pressure checks every few days until it got controlled, then the released me to my pcp for follow up.  The care I received was part of my post op care from the delivery.  The hypertension is a direct result of the pregnancy so it is not un-related.  JMO, I'm interested in anyone else's take on this.

Michele

[jwangelin]

That's exactly what I thought, thanks for your imput.

[melissa_2004]

Michelle, I agree with your answer.  How would that be billed to the insurance to show it was post-op so no charge would apply?  I know a $0 amount can't be sent.  Just curious.

[Michele]

I believe it is not supposed to be billed at all, the billing was done with the surgery charge.

[melissa_2004]

I thought the follow up visits had to be reported even though they are included in the surgery, post op.  I could be wrong.  I have to look into that.