Orthopedic Coding Alert

You'll never wonder which modifier applies to minor vs. major procedures. If you're often mixing up your E/M modifiers, then clip this article and post it near your desk. You'll be sure to apply the appropriate modifier every time. Pick Modifier 24 for Post-Op Cases When you report modifier 24 (Unrelated evaluation and management service by the same physician during a postoperative period), the E/M service must meet these criteria: • The E/M service occurs during the postoperative period of another procedure. • The current E/M service is unrelated to the previous procedure. • The same physician (or tax ID or same group and specialty) who performed the previous procedure provides the E/M. Red flag: This is true even if the two physicians have different specialties or sub-specialties. Equate Modifier 25 With Minor Procedures Appending modifier 25 (Significant, separately identifiable E/M service by the same physician on the same day [...]