Wiki Dermatolgy modifier

[dkirby48]

I just started at a Dermatology office which I have never coded before. I found the previous office manager was billing pathology code 88305 with a modifier 79 than billing another 88305 for the second site with a modifier 79 and adding 1 unit for each. The first one is getting paid and the second is getting denied.
Wouldn't the second 88305 get a different modifier to say this is a second site.
Thanks for the help.

 

[capgy51]

dermatology modifier

I think the modifier you are looking for is 59. WPS Medicare has a page on using modifier 59 with cytopathology codes - when specimens are taken from different lesions/areas.

www.wpsmedicare.com/part_b/resources/modifiers/mod59cytocodes.shtml

 

[dkirby48]

Thanks alot for your help.

 

[ERINM]

Our payers in Washington state recommend billing the 88305 in units.