tci General Surgery Coding Alert - 2001 Issue 7

Modifier -58 Versus -78 and -79: Proper Use Explained

Patients often require additional services following a procedure. CPT includes three modifiers that may be used when both the original procedure and the subsequent service take place in the operating room, including: Modifier -58 -- staged or related procedure or service by the same physician during the postoperative period Modifier -78 -- return to the operating room for a related procedure during the postoperative period Modifier -79 -- unrelated procedure or service by the same physician during the postoperative period   Choosing the proper modifier is difficult, in part because the descriptions of modifier -58 is not easily understood...

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