Wiki modifier 58 vs 79

[wmelton]

hi,
I have a question regarding correct modifier usage when a patient has multiple injuries. I have a patient that has a RT distal radial fracture and Lt femoral neck fracture. We are the consulting physician and we closed reduced the Radius at time of consult and splinted and then took the patient to OR for repair of the femur the next day. Would 79 be the appropriate modifier or 58? I was thinking that radius is not related to the femur and therefore 79 would be the correct modifier? I have read all the definitions but would like some more opinions.

thank you,
Wendy

 

[fltbaroque]

79 is the correct modifier in this situation because it's unrelated to the distal radius fracture.

 

[wmelton]

that is what I thought too but there was some differing opinion from a fellow coder and I just wanted opinion from another source. thank you so much..