M144 remark code

Remittance advice remark code M144. Remark codes add detail to the reason code on the same claim line.

Pre and post operative care included

Unofficial reference. This is our own plain-English explanation, not the official code text. Payer rules differ. Verify with the payer and the official X12 code list. AlphaPrefix is not affiliated with X12, CMS or any payer. Data last updated Nov 11, 2026.

What M144 means

The visit or service falls within a surgery's global period, and payment for it is included in the surgical allowance.

The payer paid, or will pay, a surgical procedure that includes routine care before and after it. This remark says the visit or service you billed falls within that global period and is covered by the surgery payment.

It usually comes with reason code 97. A visit for an unrelated problem may be payable with the right modifier and documentation.

Common causes

• A routine post operative visit was billed during the global period.
• A pre operative visit the day before or day of surgery was billed without a modifier for a separate decision.
• An unrelated visit during the global period did not carry a modifier showing it was unrelated.

What to do next

1. Check the surgery date and the global period for the procedure.
2. If the visit was unrelated to the surgery, correct the claim with the proper modifier and diagnosis.
3. If it was routine follow up, post the line as included in the surgical payment.

Related codes

• 97 (reason code) Service included in another payment
• M15 (remark code) Bundled into another service on the claim