Part B Insider (Multispecialty) Coding Alert
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Measure Your Modifier 59 Applicability With This Quick Chart
Published on Thu Jul 26, 2012 
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Follow the flow to confirm which modifier applies. Your physician performs two separate procedures that are bundled together under the National Correct Coding Initiative (NCCI) edits. The bundle has a status of "1," so you can break the bundle with a modifier. You append modifier 59 (Distinct procedural service) to the bundled code, because that's the only one you can use - right? Actually, no, and this common pitfall sidetracks even the sharpest of coders. Don't rely exclusively on "the modifier of last resort" (modifier 59). This handy flowchart will help you determine your modifier options and select the right modifiers for the case. 
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