E/M Coding Alert - 2005 Issue 26
MODIFIERS: Can't Decide on a Modifier: Check the Global Period
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Article Overview
This premium article discusses how to think about commonly confused surgical modifiers in the context of the global period. It is aimed at coding professionals, billers, and practices that need a practical overview of postoperative situations, staged services, repeat procedures, and return-to-OR scenarios. The article also references AMA clarification efforts and highlights general documentation and setting considerations that affect modifier selection.
Why This Topic Matters
Choosing the wrong postoperative modifier can affect claim processing, global period handling, and compliance risk. Understanding the broad distinctions discussed in the article helps coders and billing staff review surgical follow-up scenarios more accurately.
Article Sections
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Handy tips for distinguishing the 58 and 78 modifiers
Introduces the topic and frames the discussion around differentiating two commonly confused surgical modifiers in relation to postoperative care and the global period.
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Modifier selection, global period, and follow-up scenarios
Covers broad guidance on staged services, return visits related to complications, repeat procedures, and setting considerations that influence how postoperative services are evaluated.
What You Will Learn
- How the article frames postoperative modifier selection
- Why the global period is central to the discussion
- What general situations are compared for surgical follow-up billing
- What documentation and setting considerations are mentioned at a high level
Who Should Read This
- Medical coders
- Billing staff
- Revenue cycle professionals
- Physician practices
- Compliance reviewers
Codes Discussed
Modifiers Discussed
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