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Orthopedic Coding Alert

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Should We Append Modifier -76?

Published on Fri Jan 02, 2004

Question: Our surgeon removed two segments during a coccygectomy in July. Today he removed an additional segment. Should we append modifier -76 to 27080, or is that not necessary?

Nebraska Subscriber

Answer: Even though it seems as if the third- segment removal is related to the initial dual-segment removal, it isn't necessary for you to append modifier   -76 (Repeat procedure by same physician) to 27080 (Coccygectomy, primary) for your physician's recent coccygectomy surgery.
 
Because the original procedure's global period expired, you can report 27080 again without appending any modifiers.


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