Oncology & Hematology Coding Alert
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This Tool Can Do All the Talking for Your Modifier Claims
Published on Wed Apr 13, 2005
Use a flowchart to learn modifier -59 do's and don'ts Suppose your physician performs two procedures, but the National Correct Coding Initiative (NCCI) bundles the two codes together. You research the code pair and determine that a modifier can separate the edits, and you double-check your physician's documentation to ensure that it reflects the distinct nature of the two services. You append modifier -59 (Distinct procedural service) to the bundled code and hope for the best, right?
Wrong. You should first ensure that no other modifier better suits your claim.
Use this handy tool to help you select the right modifier every time. 
Other Articles in this issue of
Oncology & Hematology Coding Alert
- Put the 'Basic' Back in Basic Dosimetry Calculation Coding
Watch out: Only code once for identical ports Code 77300 often merits multiple units, but [...] - NCCI 11.1 Update:
Edits Affect IV Push and Chemo Administration Codes
Take notice of these bundles and watch -59 shed new light on your G0354 reporting [...] - You Be the Coder:
Admission Determines Specific Observation Codes
Question: Another doctor asked my oncologist for a consult with a patient who had been [...] - Clarification:
G0356 Not an Initial Chemo Code
The article "You Be the Coder: How Many G Codes Does Demo Project Demand?" in [...] - Documentation Boosts Distinct Procedure Reimbursements
Hasty use of '1' may make waste of your -59 claims Modifier -59 may seem [...] - Clip and Save:
This Tool Can Do All the Talking for Your Modifier Claims
Use a flowchart to learn modifier -59 do's and don'ts Suppose your physician performs two [...] - Reader Questions:
Turn to Initial Consult Codes for 2 Admissions
Question: Our oncologist performed an inpatient consult for a patient admitted through the ED. He [...] - Reader Questions:
Incident-To in a Hospital? Not So Fast
Question: Our office's RN sees an established chemotherapy patient with colon cancer for a checkup. [...] - Reader Questions:
Face-to-Face Time Helps Code Prolonged Services
Question: What are the documentation criteria for using prolonged services codes? My oncologist wants to [...] - Reader Questions:
Take All Service Into Account for Dead Patients
Question: Can our oncologist file a claim for pronouncing a patient dead? This sometimes requires [...]
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