Part B Insider (Multispecialty) Coding Alert
Test Your Modifier Knowledge With This Quick Quiz
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You've just read about how to properly apply modifiers 78, 79 and 80. Now put what you've just learned to use with the questions below. Check your answers to find out if you really know your modifiers. Answer 1: Modifier 80. Reason: The Modifier Reference Guide specifically designates the AS modifier for non-physician practitioners, therefore, modifier 80 is appropriate.
Question 1: A physician performs surgery; however, he needs an assistant. The assistant surgeon is a physician. What modifier do you use?
Question 2: A patient had surgery, and during the post-operative period, there were complications causing another surgery. Which modifier would you choose?
Question 3: A patient had knee surgery on the left side, and during the post-operative period, surgery had to be performed on the right knee. What modifier would you use?
Answer 2: Modifier 78. Reason: The surgeon indicated that complications occurred related to the original surgery.
Answer 3: Modifier 79. Reason: The surgeries are not related; they involve two different knees.
Source: Questions and answers courtesy of the American Medical Association.
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