Wiki Modifier 78 for return to surgery by different MD for related problem

[kahuna2729]

Please help to clarify what modifier, if any is appropriate for return to surgery post op, during the global period for complications of original surgery by a DIFFERENT surgeon. Since it is not the original surgeon, would a modifier 78 still
be required? If the second surgeon is not in the same group, it seems no modifier is needed. Modifier 79 is not appropriate since the return to surgery was due to a complication of the first.

 

[csperoni]

Different surgeon, different group does not require a modifier. The -78 is to override the global period, so doesn't apply to other surgeon. You just code your surgery as is.