Pulmonology Coding Alert

Question: When appending modifiers with E/M service during a pulmonary function test (PFT), I'm not sure which one to add to the pulmonary function code: modifier 25 or modifier 59? Please help. Illinois Subscriber Answer: These two modifiers can really get confusing, but all is not lost. Just focus on the main  difference between modifiers 25 (Significant, separately identifiable evaluation and management service by the same physician on the same day of the procedure or other service) and 59 (Distinct procedural service). Explanation: According to CPT's very own clarification, you should use modifier 59 only to distinguish one procedure from another procedure. For example, if you bill for a six minute walk test and spirometry, you would add modifier 59 to the spirometry (code it as 94620, Pulmonary stress testing; simple [e.g., 6-minute walk test, prolonged exercise test for bronchospasm with pre- and post- spirometry and oximetry], 94010-59) because of [...]