Wiki Modifier 59 question for dermatology

[Cowgirlkw75]

Hello all! I code dermatology, will someone please help me understand this. With the CCI edit changes for July 2019, my coding software, DermCoder, is now telling me to put a modifier 59 on certain ADD ON codes only and not the primary codes.

Here is one example:
17000
17003-59
17110

Why would only the add on code need the modifier 59? Is this correct?

I appreciate any help on this!!! Thanks!!!

 

[sinaholbrook]

Hi Cowgirskw75,
That seems a little odd to me. I also code dermatology, but use the claim coder (the other software, Ellzey solutions offers) I am not getting that instruction? When I do the same codes it advises as follows:

17000 -59
17003 -59
17110

Our claims have been processing fine and I am not getting any denials.
Could it be an issue with the software? I researched the NCCI edits, and am not seeing any reference to changes with the 17000 codes?