tci Part B Insider - 2019 Issue Q4

Part B Coding Coach: When Can Bronchoscopies and Thoracotomies Be Billed Together? Find Out

See how modifier 59 factors into these billing scenarios. Most pulmonology coders wouldn’t consider billing a bronchoscopy and a thoracotomy together when performed in the same session — after all, the Correct Coding Initiative (CCI) has bundled these codes since 2004. However, much to the surprise of some coders, there are some instances when you can report these services together by appending modifier 59 (Distinct procedural service) to the bronchoscopy code. You should watch out for cases when 31622 (Bronchoscopy, rigid or flexible, including fluoroscopic guidance, when performed; diagnostic, with cell washing, when performed [separate procedure]) and 321xx...

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