tci General Surgery Coding Alert - 2007 Issue 8

READER QUESTIONS: Global Re-Excision Needs 58

Question: One month after a needle excision, the surgeon performs are-excision of breast cancer with both superior and lateral margins. I know I-ll need a modifier when reporting the re-excision, but which is correct: modifier 58 or 78? New York Subscriber Answer: In this case, for both accurate coding and optimal reimbursement, modifier 58 (Staged or related procedure or service by the same physician during the postoperative period) is the better choice. You use modifier 78 (return to the operating room for a related procedure during the postoperative period) only for surgical complications, which is not the case here...

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