Wiki 59 vs 51, old CPT book vs new book

[carljasinto]

Prepping my 2014 CPT and notices a difference.
Surgery/Integumentary
Repair (Closure)
Instructions for listing services at time of wound repair:

2) "When more than one classification of wounds is repaired, list the more complicated as the primary procedure and the less complicated as the secondary procedure using modifier 51."
2014 CPT says use modifier 59.


Also same under modifier "switch" #4, r/e "Involvement of nerves, blood vessels and tendons"

 

[madcomic2000]

Very few insurance companies will use the 51 modifier. Only Medicare does and they add this on their end after claim submission. Your best bet is to use modifier 59 as it will bypass any edits that bundle the 2 codes together.