tci Part B Insider - 2004 Issue 2

Modifiers: Use Modifier -51 When Surgeries Share Significant Work

Use modifier -59 when procedures are totally separate Two procedures, one day. Which modifier should you use? When you have two surgeries or other non-evaluation and management procedures on the same day, you reach for a modifier to explain what happened and override National Correct Coding Initiative edits. But you have two possibilities: modifiers -51 (Multiple procedures) and -59 (Distinct procedural service).   Many coders aren't sure when to use modifier -51 rather than -59. But the differences are pretty clear-cut. You should use -51 when you're performing multiple services and want to show that you're not making an...

To read the full article, sign in and subscribe to tci Part B Insider.


Keep pace with evolving Medicare regulations with timely analysis of critical updates interpreted in an easy-to-follow, easy-to-apply format. Your subscription to TCI’s Part B Insider will equip you to navigate code and guideline changes, CCI edits, and revisions to modifiers, the fee schedule, OIG target areas, and more.

  • Current newsletters added each month
  • Fully searchable archives - over 4800 articles
  • ALL years/issues back to 2003 organized by year and issue
  • Codes mentioned in articles are linked to Code Information pages
  • Code Information pages link back to related articles

This feature is currently unavailable for online purchase. For more information, please call 801-770-4203 or Contact Us.

demo
request yours today
subscribe
start today
newsletter
free subscription

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