Wiki 59 Modifier for endo bx when billed with IUD insertion

[sueskuhn]

We have 2 patients that had endo bx for abnormal uterine bleeding and had the IUD for contraception. The local carrier reviewed the notes and are upholding the denial of the endo bx.
We used a 51 modifier on the bx and based on the reason for the procedures and appropriate dx submitted, I believe we should have used 59 modfier for the endo bx.
The paragraph with the letter denying the bx pertaining to separate procedures was quite extensive. It made me think wrong modifier used.
In this situation, which modifier should we have used: 51 or 59?
thanks

 

[jdibble]

According to CCI edits these codes can be billed together and are not bundled. This looks like a carrier issue - I would try the 59 modifier, but there should be no reason why they aren't paying both codes.