Wiki Modifier 58

[CODY09]

Does anyone used modifier 58 after surgeon does a diagnostic thorocoscopy? This biopsy taken determined surgeon needed to perform open surgery. I put modifier 58 on open surgery per rule and wanted to verify its appropriate.

 

[RFoster1]

That is how I would handle it as well.

 

[FTessaBartels]

No need for modifier

Diagnostic thoracoscopy has a "0" day global period.

Modifier 58 is used for a staged or related procedure performed DURING THE POSTOPERATIVE PERIOD.

So ... IF the open procedure was a day or more after the diagnostic thoracoscopy then you do NOT need a modifier. If the OPEN procedure is done immediately following ... i.e. patient on the table under same anesthesia, then you should code only the OPEN procedure and not code the diagnostic procedure.

Hope that helps.

F Tessa Bartels, CPC, CEMC