What date must be reported to Medicare when sharing postoperative care?

The date that must be reported to Medicare when sharing postoperative care is the assumed date of care. This date indicates when the provider takes over the responsibility for the patient's postoperative management. Accurately reporting this date is essential for proper billing and ensures that Medicare is aware of who is responsible for the patient's care during the postoperative period.

Identifying the correct date helps in determining the start of the postoperative care services, which is crucial for documentation and reimbursement purposes. It reflects the understanding that, while the procedure date is important, the transition into postoperative care represents a distinct phase of treatment requiring specific attention and coordination among healthcare providers. This reporting allows Medicare to track the continuity of care and ensure that the patient is followed appropriately after surgery.

Other choices do not fulfill the requirement for reporting postoperative care accurately, as they either represent different points in the patient's healthcare timeline or do not provide the necessary clarity regarding the provider's accountability for ongoing care post-surgery.