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This Tool Can Do the Modifier Work for You

Published on Sun Nov 14, 2004

Use a flowchart to determine when modifier -59 best suits the bill 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.
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