Urology Coding Alert
Bill Postoperative Biofeedback With Modifier -79
Question: If my urologist performs biofeedback during a patient's postoperative period, do I need a modifier to get reimbursed, or is biofeedback considered a unique service? Connecticut Subscriber Answer: Coders may encounter denials for claims for biofeedback performed during a global period even when a different diagnosis has been applied to the postoperative biofeedback service. Answers to You Be the Coder and Reader Questions contributed by Michael A. Ferragamo, MD, FACS, clinical assistant professor of urology, State University of New York, Stony Brook; and Morgan Hause, CCS, CCS-P, privacy and compliance officer for Urology of Indiana LLC, a 19-urologist practice in Indianapolis.
To circumvent potential denials, you need to append modifier -79 (Unrelated procedure or service by the same physician during the postoperative period) to the appropriate biofeedback code and use a different diagnosis code for the biofeedback than for the previous service. You may use modifier -79 with 10040-69990 and 70010-79999. If appropriate and not limited by the payer, 90281-99199 may also be appended with modifier -79.
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Bill Postoperative Biofeedback With Modifier -79
Question: If my urologist performs biofeedback during a patient's postoperative period, do I need a [...]
