Gastroenterology Coding Alert

Medicare prefers you don't use one of these modifiers at all. Find out which one.Many coders often find themselves in a tight spot when coding repairs of wounds on different anatomical sites. Whether the second code should take a modifier 51 or 59 consumes a huge part of their dilemma. CPT states that the second code would take a modifier 51 if the classifications are different, but what about if the anatomic groups are different?Don't pull your hair out just yet if you're faced with the same problem. Let the following tips be your guide on modifier use.Tip #1: Recognize What Modifier 51 Has To SayWhen you use a modifier, you wave a flag to the insurance company advising them that the service you're reporting is different. Each modifier's purpose is to tell a specific story that will redefine your service.Appending modifier 51 (Multiple procedures) to the second or third [...]