u/do_theTruffleShuffle

May 12th I had septoplasty & sinus surgery (FESS). I had 3 follow up appointments with the final one being on July 15th. My insurance year starts over July 1st. I clarified before to make sure that follow up would be covered under the scope of the surgery & was told it would be. Now I have a bill saying I owe $680.

I was billed for a 99212 & 31231. The $680 I owe is for the 31231. It was a nasal endoscopy performed to evaluate healing. I’ve talked to the billing department twice, they said it was reviewed & that all the codes are correct. Shouldn’t this be coded as a 99024 since it falls in the 90 day global surgery package?

I’ve worked in the dental field for 13 years, started as an assistant & worked my way into the lab world for the last 8 years. I worked one year in prosthodontics, the rest have been in orthodontics. I currently work for a small ortho lab & I make ~60k. The lab I work for will likely be getting bought out by a bigger lab company within the next few years. I’m tossing around the idea of getting my CDT but am questioning if it’s worth the time & money. I’m definitely interesting in becoming a more well rounded lab tech but am wondering if certification will translate to more job opportunities & better pay with potentially working for a bigger company. Would appreciate any insight!!