Modifier 58: Identify Intention for Staged Procedures

Why This Topic Matters

Accurate modifier selection affects how postoperative services are represented in claims and helps distinguish planned follow-up care from other types of return procedures.

Article Sections

1. Save 58 for ‘Planned’ Procedures

   Discusses postoperative staging in general terms and introduces when modifier 58 is considered in relation to planned or anticipated follow-up care. Includes a clinical example and related procedure references.

2. Avoid Attaching the Wrong Modifier

   Compares modifier 58 with other postoperative modifiers and reviews the broad issue of selecting the appropriate modifier for related return services during the global period.

3. Additionally

   Addresses how the initial procedure’s global period affects whether a postoperative modifier is needed for a subsequent service.