In reference to CPT codes 77334 and 77300 denials, can modifier 76 be used in place of modifier 59? Medicare Part B News – September transmittal.
In my opinion, -76 has been around as long as I remember and does have a place in radiation oncology billing, it is often used instead of -59 for things like BID treatments (SAVI's, mammosites, etc) but is not appropriate for our 77300/77334 situation. This has been brought up as a possible solution repeatedly in conferences and is always met with unanimous disagreement and stern warnings. Using a -76 to get paid for more calcs/treatment devices for the same treatment area is seen as a sure-fire way to have CMS come tear your claims apart.
What are your thoughts or experience with the two modifiers?
In my opinion, -76 has been around as long as I remember and does have a place in radiation oncology billing, it is often used instead of -59 for things like BID treatments (SAVI's, mammosites, etc) but is not appropriate for our 77300/77334 situation. This has been brought up as a possible solution repeatedly in conferences and is always met with unanimous disagreement and stern warnings. Using a -76 to get paid for more calcs/treatment devices for the same treatment area is seen as a sure-fire way to have CMS come tear your claims apart.
What are your thoughts or experience with the two modifiers?