Ophthalmology and Optometry Coding Alert
Remember That Payers Append Modifier 51 When Needed
Question: When billing a muscle surgery with adjustable suture add-on, should I use modifier 51 on the adjustable suture code? Ohio Subscriber Answer: When billing ocular muscle surgery, do not append modifier 51 (Multiple procedures) to the add-on code for adjustable sutures (+67335, Placement of adjustable suture(s) during strabismus surgery, including postoperative adjustment(s) of suture(s) (List separately in addition to code for specific strabismus surgery)). Always bill the add-on code in addition to the muscle surgery, without modifier 51. Insurers will automatically add modifier 51 to claims when needed on their end, and you shouldn’t ever have to use the modifier on your own when reporting multiple procedures.
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