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Otolaryngology Coding Alert

Modifier:

Break Down The Complications of Using Modifier 58, 78

Published on Tue Aug 02, 2011

Must for modifier 78: The subsequent procedure should be directly associated with the initial surgery. Global period modifiers 58 and 78 can leave you perplexed if you don't know when to append them for the added service. Because modifiers 58 and 78 share the phrases "same physician," "postoperative period," and "related procedure," many coders often let their usage of both modifiers overlap. Check out the following basic guides to help you ease through the subtleties of applying these modifiers. Guide 1: Draw A Clear Line Between Both Modifiers According to CMS guidelines, you would use modifier 58 (Staged or related procedure or service by the same provider during the postoperative period) when a second surgery is performed in the postoperative period of another surgery when the subsequent procedure was: planned or "staged" or more extensive than the original procedure; or for therapy following a surgical procedure; or for the reapplication [...]
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