CMS began requiring certain providers to report CPT 99024 in 2017 to capture the actual number of postoperative visits that occur within 10- and 90-day global periods. Many assumed this data collection would be temporary, but CMS has not discontinued the requirement. In fact, a 2025 OIG audit confirmed CMS still expects reporting and urged the agency to strengthen oversight.
The mandate continues to apply to:
- Groups of 10 or more practitioners
- In the nine designated states: FL, KY, LA, NV, NJ, ND, OH, OR, RI
- For all procedures assigned 10- or 90-day global periods
Unless CMS publishes a formal rule change, affected practices should continue reporting 99024.
Why CMS Still Collects 99024 Data
CMS uses this information to:
- Compare expected vs. actual postoperative visit volume
- Reassess global period valuation
- Identify variation among specialties and procedures
- Support a more accurate long-term payment policy
Orthopedics remains a significant focus because postoperative care varies significantly across procedure types.
How Postoperative Follow-Up Differs in Orthopedics
Fracture Care
Fracture care typically involves the highest follow-up intensity, including frequent visits, serial radiographs, cast changes, alignment checks, and ongoing monitoring of healing.
ICD-10 Guideline Reminder for Fractures
Fracture follow-up uses the injury codes (S-codes) with the required 7th character:
- D – Routine healing, subsequent encounter
- G – Delayed healing
- K – Nonunion
- P – Malunion
These 7th characters must be applied correctly for all fracture follow-up encounters.
Only once the fracture has fully healed should you transition to Z87.81 (history of healed fracture) with a Z09 follow-up examination after treatment, as per ICD-10-CM coding instructions.
Total Joint Replacements
Total hip, knee, and shoulder replacements follow more predictable schedules and typically require fewer visits than fracture management. Correct aftercare coding includes:
- Z47.1 — Aftercare following joint replacement
- Z96.6x — Presence of joint prosthesis
These codes clearly identify joint replacement care and should be used instead of Z47.89.
Other Orthopedic Procedures
Rotator cuff repairs, ACL reconstructions, meniscus surgery, carpal tunnel releases, spine procedures, and many other surgeries fall here. Post-op intensity varies, but most patients require a moderate level of follow-up.
Common aftercare codes:
- Z47.89 — Other orthopedic aftercare
- Z48.89 — Other specified surgical aftercare
- Z98.x — Status post surgical procedure
There is no evidence that CMS has changed or removed the 99024 reporting requirement for eligible states and provider groups. CMS guidance and recent OIG findings indicate that the program remains active.
Orthopedic practices should continue to report 99024 to stay compliant, protect reimbursement, and ensure that the data used to value global periods accurately reflects the actual amount of postoperative work involved, especially for fracture care.