tci General Surgery Coding Alert - 2002 Issue 8

Modifier -22: Use Cautiously for Compliance and Reimbursement

Correctly appended, modifier -22 (Unusual procedural services) can significantly increase reimbursement for unexpectedly difficult or time-consuming procedures. Because insurers monitor such claims closely and specify strict guidelines for modifier -22's use, you should apply the modifier with caution. Use Sparingly According to a May 1992 CMS directive, modifier -22 is used to indicate "an increment of work infrequently encountered with a particular procedure" that is not described by another code. In other words, it informs the carrier that unusual circumstances and/or complications greatly increased the work required to perform the procedure. For example, emergencies that complicate care and result...

To read the full article, sign in and subscribe to tci General Surgery Coding Alert.

Thank you for choosing Find-A-Code, please Sign In to remove ads.