Reader Question:
Pick -59 Last
Published on Thu Jan 01, 2004
Question: Which modifier should I use when I report 58120 with 58720? I was thinking either modifier -59, -51 or -22 (Unusual procedural services).
Indiana Subscriber Answer: The National Correct Coding Initiative does not bundle 58120 (Dilation and curettage, diagnostic and/or therapeutic [nonobstetrical]) and 58720 (Salpingo-oophorectomy, complete or partial, unilateral or bilateral [separate procedure]). A salpingo-oophorectomy would never be an integral part of a dilation and curettage and vice versa.
Consequently, that only leaves you to choose the correct modifier for billing the two codes together. Most likely, that would be modifier -51 (Multiple procedures). Based on the assigned relative value units, you should report the procedures in this order: 58720, 58120-51.
Remember that modifier -59 (Distinct procedural service) is the "modifier of last resort," according to the AMA. You should use it only when other modifiers don't apply and when the procedure in question is normally an integral part of the other procedure for which you are billing.
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