Wiki Multiple Surgery Rules Apply to Different day Surgeries?\

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Recently Aetna recouped half of a procedure based on their multiple surgery rules. The surgeon performed an initial surgery one day. Due to the condition of the bowel (described as dusky), he delayed closure with a plan to explore the bowel the next day. He subsequently did that exploration and then did a delayed closure. I coded the 2nd procedure and appended it with a modifier 58. They paid the first procedure at 100% of the allowable. The procedure on the 2nd day was basically paid at 50% once they recouped their original payment. The only policy I can find on their website states that they will pay 50% of a 2nd procedure when done during the SAME SESSION. One rep stated that same session applies to the entire hospitalization, but I can find no policy that states that. Does anyone have some input on this? I appreciate it.
 
Modifier 58

I found this under AMA maybe it will be helpful. As I understand it Mod. 58 starts the global period over again and is paid at 100% not 50%.

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Modifier 58 - Usage and Reimbursement

Modifier 58 is defined by the CPT Manual as a ?staged or related procedure or service by the same physician during the postoperative period?. It may be used to indicate that a procedure was followed by a second procedure during the post-operative period of the first procedure. This situation may occur because the second procedure was planned prospectively, was more extensive than the first procedure, or was therapy after a diagnostic surgical service. Use of modifier 58 will bypass NCCI edits that allow use of NCCI-associated modifiers.

Examples for the Usage of Modifier 58

If a diagnostic endoscopic procedure results in the decision to perform an open procedure, both procedures may be reported with modifier 58 appended to the HCPCS/CPT code for the open procedure. However, if the endoscopic procedure preceding an open procedure is a ?scout? procedure to assess anatomic landmarks and/or extent of disease, it is not separately reportable.

Another example of when to use modifier 58 would be if a patient had a removal of a breast lesion (CPT 19120) followed in less than 90 days by the removal of the entire breast (CPT 19307). Bill CPT 19307-58 for the second procedure. Another postoperative period begins when the second procedure in the series is billed.

Inappropriate Usage

Appending the modifier to ASC facility fee claims

Appending the modifier to a procedure with XXX global period on the MPFSDB

Appending the modifier to services listed in CPT as multiple sessions, (i.e. 67208, Destruction of localized lesion of retina, one or more sessions)

Reporting the treatment of a complication from the original surgery

Unrelated procedures during the postoperative period

When reporting Modifier 58, the physician may need to indicate that the procedure or service was:

1. Planned prospectively at the time of the original procedure, or staged.

2. More extensive than the original planned procedure.

3. For therapy following a diagnostic surgical procedure.

Do not use this modifier to report the treatment of a problem that requires a return to the operating room (see Modifier 78).

The existence of CPT Modifier 58 does not negate the global fee concept; therefore, services that are included in CPT as multiple sessions or are otherwise defined as including multiple services or events may not be billed with this modifier.

Modifier -58 should not alter the amount charged or paid for subsequent unrelated or staged procedures that are performed during the postoperative period of a previous procedure. Modifier -78 may drive a reduction because it is for management of a complication resulting from the previous procedure.
 
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