Wiki GImodifier

[BillingS01]

Hello,
I have a question regarding a colonoscopy billed with an upper endoscopy in the same operative session. Modifier 59 is not needed when these two procedures are billed together? and would a modifier 51 be necessary as multiple procedures?
Thank you very much.

 

[mitchellde]

you do not need a 59 as the descriptor inherent in the code indicates separate and distinct. in other words you may not use a colonoscopic approach to examine the esophagus. However depending on payer an 51 may be required.