Wiki Critical Care + Chest Tube Placement

[venitacason]

Hello, Friends!

I've searched online and I can't find CURRENT advise re: the following scenario

Provider performed critical care services for a patient for 90 minutes (99291 + 99292) and also performed a chest tube insertion (32551).
I understand 99291 + 99292 does not require modifier; however, the chest tube placement is separately reportable...Would I append modifier 25 to 99291 or 99292 for code 32551

Scenario 1
99291-25
99292
32551-LT

Scenario 2
99291
99292-25
32551-LT

Scenario 3
99291-25
99292-25
32551-LT

 

[ajeet.dey@genpact.com]

Hi Venitacason... here, scenario 1 is the correct option as modifier 25 needs to be appended with the critical care code in case chest tube insertion is being performed in the same encounter. Add on codes (here, 99292) don't require any modifier.
I hope this answers your question.

Thanks,
Ajeet