Advanced Search

Anesthesia Coding Alert

Reader Question:

Use Modifier -22 for Altered Surgical Fields

Published on Sat Dec 01, 2001

Question: I have heard that modifier -60 (altered surgical fields) should no longer be used. If extra time is needed due to previous surgery, like fusion with hardware that makes an injection more difficult, is it appropriate to use modifier -22 (unusual procedural services)?

CPT says it should not be used for scarring or previous surgery.

Georgia Subscriber  
Answer: The reference in CPT does not apply, because modifier -60, introduced in CPT 2001, was not recognized by payers and has been removed from CPT 2002. Therefore, the restrictions on modifier -22 no longer apply. It should be used (with appropriate documentation) to indicate that a significant amount of additional work was required to perform the procedure even if this is due to scarring, previous surgery, or any of the other conditions listed.
You’ve reached your limit of free articles. Already a subscriber? Log in.
Not a subscriber? Subscribe today to continue reading this article. Plus, you’ll get:
  • Simple explanations of current healthcare regulations and payer programs
  • Real-world reporting scenarios solved by our expert coders
  • Industry news, such as MAC and RAC activities, the OIG Work Plan, and CERT reports
  • Instant access to every article ever published in your eNewsletter
  • 6 annual AAPC-approved CEUs*
  • The latest updates for CPT®, ICD-10-CM, HCPCS Level II, NCCI edits, modifiers, compliance, technology, practice management, and more
*CEUs available with select eNewsletters.

Other Articles in this issue of

Anesthesia Coding Alert

View All