tci General Surgery Coding Alert - 2006 Issue 12

Reader Question ~ Find Modifier 51 Exemptions Fast

Question: I heard a colleague discussing CPT codes that are exempt from modifier 51. How can I find out which CPT codes are modifier 51 exempt?California Subscriber Answer: There are several exceptions to modifier 51 (Multiple procedures) in CPT 2006 -- so many, in fact, that the AMA includes separate appendices with a list of all the codes that are exempt. Specifically, you should never append modifier 51 to designated add-on codes (any code listed with a -+-) or to designated -modifier 51 exempt- codes (identified in CPT by a X next to the code).For example, 99143...

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