Key modifiers 22, 25 and 59 get minor makeover in 2008 CPT

Why This Topic Matters

Updates to modifier wording can affect claim reporting, documentation support, and payer review. Readers who work with CPT coding, compliance, or reimbursement policy will want to know which modifiers were revised and what general areas of guidance changed for 2008.

Article Sections

1. Modifier 22

   Discusses revised wording and documentation emphasis for a commonly used CPT modifier. The section explains the general change in how the modifier is characterized for 2008.

2. Other modifier revisions in CPT 2008

   Summarizes additional modifier wording changes in the 2008 CPT update. The section covers several modifiers and the general areas affected by the revisions.

3. Modifier 51

   Notes a limitation added to the modifier’s applicability in CPT 2008. The discussion focuses on the broader service categories referenced by the change.

4. Modifier 58

   Reviews clarifying language added to the modifier for postoperative-period reporting. It also notes a related cross-reference to another modifier.

5. Modifier 78

   Describes revised wording for the modifier in CPT 2008 and raises a general question about the setting referenced in the new language.