Wiki modifier 79 with AS?

[dwillia]

Is it appropriate to use modifier 79 in conjunction with AS for physician assistant return to surgery?

 

[FTessaBartels]

Yes, if that is accurate

Yes, if the modifiers accurately describe the situation.

F Tessa Bartels, CPC, CEMC

 

[OliveJ]

You should not use 79 with the AS - the surgical assist would not be considered as part of the original procedure's global period, so you do not need to indicate that it's unrelated. In fact, Medicare in my state will NOT pay this combination.

 

[maddismom]

As Tessa said, if the modifiers accurately describe the situation. IF the AS assisted on the original surgery and it had a global, an additional modifier would be needed. You would have to review and choose if it should be 58, 78, or 79.

 

[OliveJ]

A surgical assist does not have a global period.