Wiki modify or not?

[deb24]

A urology physician was asked to do a consult on a patient that had just given birth through c-section. Patient was experiencing abdominal pain and distention. It was decided to go back into OR and they found a tear in bladder that was repaired. Should this be modified as a 78 or 79 or neither?

 

[etenndixiechick]

Your physician should not need a modifier since I am assuming he./she is of a different specialty than the physician who performed the c-section.

 

[thomas7331]

"Other qualified healthcare professional" refers to non-physicians who are qualified to perform the service. Regardless of this, the modifier 78 description includes the words "during the postoperative period." If your physician is not of the same specialty, then you are not in the postoperative period since that only applies to the physician and specialty of the original procedure.

 

[deb24]

He is a different specialty. I appreciate the feedback. Even though in CPT book is says same physician or "Other qualified healthcare professional" for mod 78. Would He be considered as "Other qualified healthcare professional?