How OBGYN Practices Can Prepare for the 2027 Maternity Billing Changes

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The 2027 maternity billing changes will significantly alter how OBGYN practices report maternity care. Beginning January 1, 2027 , the CPT maternity care structure will move away from the traditional global model toward more detailed reporting across four phases: antepartum care, labor management, delivery, and postpartum care . The American Medical Association (AMA) has confirmed that 17 existing codes will be deleted, 12 new codes will be added, and six codes will be revised. For OBGYN practices, this is not simply a coding update. It can affect documentation, EHR workflows, charge capture, claims submission, payer contracts, reimbursement, AR, and denial management. Practices that begin preparing now will have more time to test their systems, train staff, review payer requirements, and identify potential revenue risks. For a broader explanation of the upcoming changes, see What Is the 2027 Maternity Billing Change and How Should OBGYN Practices Prepare? . Understand What Is Chan...

Correct Use of Modifiers for Podiatry Services

 

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Improper use of Modifiers for Podiatry Services can be the cause of claim denials just as not using a modifier can be. When using modifiers, make sure you clearly understand what the modifier entails. Sometimes, there are related services that the physician is performing, global periods to contend with, etc. Modifiers will clarify extenuating circumstances, which should allow for payment when they otherwise may not.

If the insurance company denies a claim and you rebill it by simply choosing another modifier and hoping that is the correct one, this will usually end up creating additional problems. Insurance companies may have a time limit as to how long you can file an appeal. If you continually rebill incorrectly, then by the time you send in the claims and subsequently get denied again, you may run out of the appeal window. The appeal window generally starts when you submit the initial claim. Medicare explanation of medical benefits (EOMBs) will indicate whether you can appeal a claim rather than rebill, depending on the error.

There are three specific evaluation and management (E/M) modifiers. These are the -24, -25, and -57 modifiers. Only use these modifiers with E/M services. If you append them to any other service such as a diagnostic study or procedure, the carrier will automatically deny your claim.

Modifiers for Podiatry Services are:

Modifier 24:

Unrelated Evaluation and Management by the same physician during a postoperative period. When an unrelated E/M service is performed by the same physician during the postoperative (global period -10 or 90-day postoperative period) then append modifier 24 to the E/M procedure code. Make sure that we are not assigning the same diagnosis code which is the reason for the surgery which was performed earlier, and then there would be the chance of the claim getting denied.

To know more about the Correct Use of Modifiers for Podiatry Services, click here: https://bit.ly/3KhgRMc Contact us at info@medicalbillersandcoders.com888-357-3226.

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