Final answer:
During a global period, E/M services unrelated to the procedure can be billed with the -24 modifier.
Step-by-step explanation:
During a global period, which is the designated period following a surgical procedure, if a patient needs an evaluation and management (E/M) service that is unrelated to the original procedure, it can be billed with the -24 modifier.
For example, if a patient has a surgery and then experiences chest pain a week later, the E/M service for the chest pain can be billed with the -24 modifier to indicate that it is unrelated to the procedure.
It's important to note that the E/M service must meet the criteria for a separate and identifiable service, medically necessary, and have documentation to support it.