AMA CPT® Assistant - 1999 Issue 7 (July)
Modifier -51 vs. -59 (July 1999)
July 1999 pages 1-2 Modifier -51 vs. -59 Since the implementation of the -59 modifier in the 1997 edition of CPT, many questions have been raised regarding the appropriate use of this modifier vs. modifier -51. Modifier -59, Distinct Procedural Service Modifier -59 was added to clearly designate instances when distinct and separate multiple services are provided to a patient on a single date of service. This modifier is the CPT Level I counterpart of the previous HCPCS Level II -GB modifier. As the description of this modifier indicates, some examples of common uses of the -59 modifier include...
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Article Overview
This July 1999 CPT Assistant article reviews the relationship between two commonly confused modifiers and explains the broader CPT context in which they appear. It is aimed at coding professionals, compliance staff, and billers who need to understand how CPT guidance, payer policies, and modifier usage intersect for multiple services and distinct procedural circumstances.
Why This Topic Matters
Understanding the distinctions discussed in this article can help coding and billing staff interpret CPT guidance consistently and recognize why payer policy may not always align with the same modifier usage rules.
Article Sections
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July 1999 pages 1-2
Introductory publication information and the article’s overall topic focus.
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Modifier -59, Distinct Procedural Service
Discussion of the CPT context for one modifier, including its relationship to distinct services and separate procedure designations.
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Separate Procedure
Overview of how separately designated procedures are discussed in CPT and the general circumstances addressed in the article.
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Modifier -51, Multiple Procedures
Discussion of the CPT context for the other modifier, including its revision history and broad applicability across procedure groupings.
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Summary
Closing remarks about CPT guidance and the need to consider local third-party payer policies.
What You Will Learn
- How the article frames two CPT modifiers in relation to multiple services and distinct procedural circumstances.
- How the article places the discussion within broader CPT guidance and payer-policy considerations.
- What general topics are covered regarding separate procedures, multiple procedures, and related reporting context.
- How the article situates the guidance within historical CPT revisions and the 1999 update context.
Who Should Read This
- Medical coders
- Billing professionals
- Compliance staff
- Revenue cycle personnel
- Physician practice administrators
Codes Discussed
Modifiers Discussed
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