The most common use of modifier 58 in dermatology is for re-excision of a lesion because the margins weren’t clear. Benign and malignant excisional … [Read more...]
Modifier 51 or 59? How to know which to bill?
There are two modifiers commonly used in surgical specialties when billing two or more procedures at the same encounter. Appending the correct … [Read more...]
Modifier 25 for Dermatology
Modifier 25 Significant, separately identifiable E /M service by the same physician on the same day of the procedure or other service Use to … [Read more...]
Using Modifier 59 | Cheat Sheet
Modifier 59 is referred to by CMS as the modifier of last resort. It is often used when modifier 51 is the more accurate modifier. This quick … [Read more...]
Using Modifier 33 | Cheat Sheet
Modifier 33 is used to identify certain screening and preventive services. This quick reference sheet addresses: When to use modifier 33 Why … [Read more...]
Using Modifier 25 | Cheat Sheet
Use of Modifier 25 may be applicable when an E/M service is provided on the same day as a procedure, a preventive medicine service, or other medical … [Read more...]
Coding Guide – CPT® and HCPCS Code Modifiers
Table of Contents Modifier introduction Initial evaluation – minor procedure E/M service same day Initial evaluation – major procedure … [Read more...]
Who is responsible for coding physician services? The medical provider or the coder?
Legally, when a physician, physician assistant (PA) or nurse practitioner (NP) enroll in a Medicare, Medicaid or commercial insurance, the … [Read more...]
Billing physician services for hospice patients | Cheat sheet
Medical practices find the hospice modifiers confusing, and confusion leads to denials and payment delays. Use the decision trees below to help you … [Read more...]
Billing physician services for hospice patients
Overview of hospice care Medicare beneficiaries who have a terminal illness with a life expectancy of six months or less can elect to have their … [Read more...]
Can two practices split the post-op office care of a patient?
Question: Can two practices split the post-op office care of a patient? Answer: No. Although the operative and post-operative portions of the … [Read more...]
Do I need Modifier 52 for this repair?
Question: Can you please give me your opinion on a coding case? We have a surgical oncologist that performed an excision of malignant skin … [Read more...]
Wound Care CPT® Codes 11042 and 29580
Wound care CPT® Codes 11042 and 29580 Question: Our wound care physician billed for debriding a wound on the right foot and applied an Unna boot … [Read more...]
Selecting CPT® codes for excision of skin lesions
Many medical practices perform skin procedures. A patient may see a dermatologist, a family physician or a surgeon when the time comes to find out, … [Read more...]
Avoid these 4 costly errors when coding minor surgical procedures
Does your practice perform any minor or major procedures? If so, this post is for you! Primary care practices and urgent care centers should pay … [Read more...]
Everything you want (and need) to know about E/M services
Evaluation and Management (E/M) services account for 30% of the revenue paid by Medicare for all physician services. For many specialties, E/M codes … [Read more...]
Reporting Excision of Multiple Lesions of the Same Size
Question: The doctor I work with excised two benign lesions from a patient’s arm, of the same length. Do I add them together and report one code? … [Read more...]
Modifiers in the Post-op Period | Global Surgical Package
Although there is a single payment for surgical procedures that have 0, 10 and 90 global days, there are frequent instances in which the surgeon … [Read more...]
More modifier mishaps | CPT® Modifiers
Some modifier errors are easily avoided by experienced coders or practice management software with an editing function to stop incorrect claims before … [Read more...]
Co-surgery, Team surgery, Assistant at surgery
Modifiers for co-surgery, team surgery and assistant at surgery CPT® has specific modifiers for co-surgery, team surgery and assistant at surgery. … [Read more...]