Practice Management Alert

Question: We read lots of information about CPT 2011 code changes, but are there any modifier changes we should be aware of?Answer: This year it is important to know about a few new modifiers, as well as some revisions to existing CPT modifiers.For example, three existing CPT modifiers now include nonphysician providers in the descriptors, as follows:76 -- Repeat procedure or service by same physician or non-physician provider77 -- Repeat procedure or service by another physician or non-physician provider78 -- Unplanned return to the operating/procedure room by the same physician or non-physician provider following initial procedure for a related procedure during the postoperative period).In previous years, some payers didn't allow non-physician providers to report their services with these modifiers since they specifically addressed "physician" care. Updating the descriptors should make it easier for you to report situations represented by modifiers 76, 77, or 78 to your payers.In addition, CPT introduced modifier 33 (Preventive [...]