Joint Injection during the Global Period

Question:

Our physicians want to report 20610-79 when they perform a joint injection for pain following arthroscopic knee surgery.  Is that acceptable?

Answer:

Thanks for your inquiry. Pain management is inclusive to the global surgical package and is not separately reportable.  To append a modifier 79 to a surgical procedure, the procedure is typically at a different anatomic location to support the unrelated component.

*This response is based on the best information available as of 05/03/18.