Wiki Modifier 58 versus Modifier 78

[Ramona03]

Hello:

Could use some opinions from other coders please?

If a patient had a fracture repair, and the patient comes back for debridement of that fracture repair due to infection during the postoperative period should I append Modifier 78? Also if the patient had a subsequent debridement the next day what modifier should be appended? Could really use some feedback on this, thanks!

 

[mitchellde]

78 since it is unplanned, 58 is for a planned return

 

[Ramona03]

Thanks!

Thank you for the clarification, I really appreciate it!