Reader Questions:
You Can Append Mod 25 to Preventive Code
Published on Tue Mar 23, 2010
Question: The patient came in for a well woman exam. During this visit, the ob-gyn removed her intrauterine device (IUD). The insurance company denied the preventive code, because they say the IUD removal includes the preventive visit. Should I appeal with modifier 25? I thought this modifier only applies to E/M codes. Can you apply this modifier to a preventive code? Texas Subscriber Answer: Yes. The IUD removal is a procedure, and you can apply modifier 25 (Significant, separately identifiable evaluation and management service by the same physician on the same day of the procedure or other service) to any E/M (problem or preventive) code. Your ob-gyn should receive reimbursement for both services. You should report the removal of an IUD (through the cervix, which is the only accepted way of doing this service) with 58301 (Removal of intrauterine device [IUD]). You'll report the well woman exam (WWE) using preventive [...]