Modifier Coding Alert
Think 51 with Multiple Procedures
PDF
Question: My surgeon did a fracture reduction and a triangular fibrocartilage (TFCC) repair in the same session. How do I code this and do I need a modifier?
Virginia Subscriber
Answer: You should report 29846 (Arthroscopy, wrist, surgical; excision and/or repair of triangular fibrocartilage and/or joint debridement) and 29847 (Arthroscopy, wrist, surgical; internal fixation for fracture or instability) together in this case, provided you confirm with your payer that they will accept both.
Tip: Because your surgeon performed more than one procedure during the operative session, you may need to attach modifier 51 (Multiple procedures) to 29846 or 29847 depending upon the extent of the procedure. Consult with your payer to see if you should use modifier 51, however, because many payers, including Medicare, no longer require this modifier.
Modifier Coding Alert
- Modifier Madness:
Capture Deserved Separate E/M Payment with Modifier 25
Identify second service as above and beyond to use 25 to generate deserved revenue. Payers [...] - ICD-10:
Circle the ICD-10 Release Date on Your Calendar
Take advantage of the resources CMS has made available online to assist you. Move full [...] - Specialty Focus -- Podiatry:
Think Q7-Q9 with Foot Care Class Findings
Without systemic condition, your claim may go cold. If you don’t include modifiers Q7, Q8, [...] - Cardiology Spotlight:
Brush Up on Your 5 Coronary Modifiers
Appeal denied PCI claims to recoup hundreds of dollars. Some of your percutaneous coronary artery [...] - Reader Question:
Use AI for the Principal Physician
Question: My physician admitted a patient to the hospital and a specialist performed surgery later that [...] - Reader Question:
Get to the Details When Using Modifier 80
Question: What modifier would I use if two of my physicians, a primary surgeon and an [...] - Reader Question:
Think 51 with Multiple Procedures
Question: My surgeon did a fracture reduction and a triangular fibrocartilage (TFCC) repair in the same [...] - Reader Question:
Have JW Ready with Multi-Use Vials
Question: A healthcare professional administered 100 mg of herceptin to a patient from a 440 mg [...] - Reader Question:
Return to OR Calls for Modifier 78
Question: Our surgeon removed ear tubes in the operating room under general anesthesia. She had to [...] - You Be the Coder:
Count How Many Patients and Pick a U Modifier
Question: A physician in our office used a portable x-ray machine to take a two-view chest [...]