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Gastroenterology Coding Alert

You Be the Expert:

Check CPT For Mod -51 Exemptions

Published on Tue Jun 08, 2004

Question: Do you have to use modifier -51 every time you code a visit where the gastroenterologist performs multiple procedures? Hawaii Subscriber Answer: No. There is a complete list of modifier -51 (Multiple procedure) exempt codes in Appendix E of CPT 2004. The list is "a summary of CPT codes that are exempt from the use of modifier -51 but have not been designated as CPT add-on procedures/services," according to CPT. These mod -51 exempt codes are also recognizable within the code listings of CPT; just look for a "circle with a slash" symbol to the left of the code. Get to know them before filing modifier -51 claims to prevent red tape and increase your practice's productivity. -- Reader Question and You be the Expert were reviewed by Catherine Brink, CMM, CPC, president of Healthcare Resource Management in Spring Lake, N.J.
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