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Orthopedic billing with global periods and modifiers handled
Billing for orthopedic surgeons and sports medicine: global surgical periods, post-op visits, injections and more.
How orthopedic billing works
Most orthopedic surgeries carry a 90-day global period, which includes routine post-op visits. Unrelated visits and procedures during that time need modifiers such as 24, 25, 58, 78 or 79. Injections are billed with the procedure code plus the drug’s J-code and units.
Codes we bill every day
| Code | What it covers |
|---|---|
| 20610 | Arthrocentesis or injection, major joint |
| J3301 | Triamcinolone acetonide, per 10 mg |
| 29881 | Knee arthroscopy with meniscectomy |
| 27447 | Total knee arthroplasty |
| Modifiers 24 / 58 / 78 / 79 | Unrelated visit, staged procedure, return to OR, unrelated procedure in global |
| RT / LT | Right and left side |
Code descriptions are summarized. Payer coverage and documentation rules vary by plan and state.
Denials we prevent
- Post-op visits billed inside the global period
- Drug units not matching the dose given
- Missing laterality modifiers
- Imaging-guided injections without the guidance documented
- Workers compensation claims sent to health insurance
FAQ
Questions about orthopedic billing
Do you handle workers compensation billing?
Yes, including state-specific forms and fee schedules.
Free billing audit
Get a free orthopedic billing audit
Send a few details and we will set up a short call to review your claims, denials and A/R. No cost and no commitment.
We sign a Business Associate Agreement before we handle any patient data.