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Oncology & Hematology Coding Alert

Reader Question:

Why You Should Keep Modifier -58 Handy

Published on Wed Sep 01, 2004

Question: All of a sudden our radiation oncology department is receiving denials for multiple brachytherapy claims. What are we doing wrong?

Idaho Subscriber

Answer: Typically, radiation oncology coders can report multiple charges for brachytherapy (for example, 77326, Brachytherapy isodose plan; simple [calculation made from single plane, one to four sources/ribbon application, remote afterloading brachytherapy, 1 to 8 sources) within 90 days. But, every few years insurers change their code editing systems, which will lead to denials for multiple brachytherapy procedures. When this happens, you should attach modifier -58 (Staged or related procedure or service by the same physician during the postoperative period) to the appropriate brachytherapy code (77326-77328).
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