Wiki Dialysis catheter question

[martha37]

If a diaylisis catherter is removed for possible infection within the 10 day global period a temporary diaylisis cather is placed, is this catheter placement considered as a modifier 78 or 79??? does it make a dfference if infectiion was confirmed prior to placement of the catheter?? Please help!!

 

[HNISHA]

Modifiers "78 or 79" is not based on the complication, however, its based on the procedure performed during the postoperative period.

Here in this case the procedure (placement or replacement) is related to the previous procedure (dialysis catheter placement).

Hence modifier "78" would be appropriate if both of the procedures were performed by the same physician.

Hope this helps!