Neurosurgery Coding Alert

Question: If a code has global period designation in the fee schedule which implies that it has no global period, does that mean you don't need modifier -51 (Multiple Procedures:...)?

Florida Subscriber

Answer: Since Medicare automatically adjusts for reduction, carriers do not require -51. For private payers, the user should apply -51 to the multiple procedures beyond the primary procedure unless the codes are designated as modifier -51 exempt in CPT®. Modifier -51 is not related to global concept, but rather is for reporting multiple procedures done in a common session, be it within or outside the global period. You may or may not append modifier -51 to secondary codes, based on particular carrier's guidelines.