Cardiology Coding Alert

Question: I recently heard that you don't need different diagnosis codes when appending modifier 25 to an E/M service on the same date as a procedure. But I've been told many times in the past by certified coders that when I bill more than one procedure I need to add modifier 25 to the E/M, point the primary diagnosis to the E/M, and point a secondary diagnosis to the other procedure. Can you clear up my confusion?West Virginia SubscriberAnswer: Proper modifier 25 (Significant, separately identifiable evaluation and management service by the same physician on the same day of the procedure or other service) use does not require a different diagnosis code. In fact, the presence of different diagnosis codes attached to the E/M and the procedure does not necessarily support a separately reportable E/M service. The key to separately reporting the E/M service lies in whether your physician performed and documented work [...]