Urology Coding Alert
When Modifier 58 Is Not Required for Expected Staged Procedures
Question: The surgeon completed an extensive scrotal and left groin debridement for necrotizing fasciitis (the entire scrotum was removed). Twelve days later the physician did a wound debridement and created bilateral testicular thigh pouches. How would I code these procedures, and do I need to include any modifiers?
New Jersey Subscriber
Answer: Submit CPT® code 54680 (Transplantation of testis[es] to thigh [because of scrotal destruction]), as the primary procedure (RVUs 22.76) and code 11004 (Debridement of skin, subcutaneous tissue, muscle and fascia for necrotizing soft tissue infection; external genitalia and perineum) (RVUs 16.76) as the secondary procedure.
It is not necessary to append modifier 58 (Staged or related procedure or service by the same physician or other qualified health care professional during the postoperative period) to either of the codes since the initial debridement code 11004 has a zero day global period. When no global period is in effect, no modifiers would be necessary in this case.
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When Modifier 58 Is Not Required for Expected Staged Procedures
Question: The surgeon completed an extensive scrotal and left groin debridement for necrotizing fasciitis (the entire [...]
