by Evan M. Gwilliam, DC MBA CPC CCPC CPC-I QCC MCS-P CPMA CMHP AAPC Fellow
Jun 21st, 2017 - Reviewed/Updated Feb 8th
Question
Can you tell me what modifier I can use when billing massage code 97124 with 97140? I was using -59, but I am not sure that is correct.
Answer
In the ChiroCode Online Library within ChiroCode Premium membership, you have access to a tool called the NCCI Edit Validator. This is a Medicare database that most private payers follow to determine which codes can be billed together and when modifiers are necessary. You can list all the codes you plan to bill together and the tool will identify which codes do and don't need a modifier and which ones can't be billed together no matter what. It turns out that no modifier will allow 97124 to get billed along with 97140. If a private payer allows you to do it in, say different body areas, you could try modifier XS for "separate structure" if that applies, but they may still reject it.
About Evan M. Gwilliam, DC MBA CPC CCPC CPC-I QCC MCS-P CPMA CMHP AAPC Fellow
Dr. Gwilliam is a licensed chiropractic physician with a master's in business administration. He is also a certified professional coding instructor, compliance specialist, and medical auditor. He has published articles in multiple trade journals and travels the country to deliver training to physicians and staff on coding, documentation, and compliance.
Quick, Current, Complete - www.findacode.com