We recently had an obstetric patient who was admitted for observation due to upper-quadrant abdominal pain. During her stay, a general surgeon performed a cholecystectomy. She was discharged 6 days after admission, but immediately went into preterm labor, delivering at home at 27 weeks’ gestation. She and the baby were readmitted on the day after her discharge. How do I charge this?
A
Did you provide all of the obstetric care except for the delivery? If so, you can bill the global obstetric service, should the payer allow, but should also add modifier -52 to indicate reduced services.
