Wiki coding help

[Rip]

Which modifier do I use 51 or 59?

Pt surgery:
Uvulopalatopharyngoplasty: 42145
Septoplasty: 30520-59
Bilateral Submucous Resection Turbinate 30140-50-59
Adenoidectomy over 12y/o 42831-22-59
(op note states complicated by extent size of adenoids and possibility of
a maligant neoplasm. Difficulty increased 100%. Adenoidectomy typiciall
takes 15-20 mins this required 60 minutes to adequately excise adenoid
neoplasm and enlargement.)

 

[Lujanwj]

Modifier -51, if payer requires. I highly suggested reading the NCCI Policy Manual if you are asking that question. -51 doesn't really mean too much these days; however, -59 is a big deal and it's misuse can put you in a bind.

I've attached Chapter 1 of the manual and you can go to CMS for the rest

http://www.cms.gov/Medicare/Coding/...ndex.html?redirect=/NationalCorrectCodInitEd/