I have read that the 78 modifier does not restart the global period. However, I am receiving denials for these visits stating that they are within the global period, but the original procedure is out of the global period.

Example, patient had a procedure on 12-11-16 and it is a 90 day global.

Patient returned to the OR on 3-9-17 and we used the modifier 78 since it was a complication from the initial surgery.

Patient then came in for follow up visit on 3-27-17 and the insurance is denying the visit as within the post op global.

Any ideas on how to get paid for these follow up E/M’s or are they global?