tci Part B Insider - 2004 Issue 2

Modifiers: Examples Illuminate Differences Between Modifiers -51 and -59

Use -59 if procedures are separated by time or by locationConsultant Ken Lobo with Lobo Solutions Inc. in Poway, Calif., gives two scenarios that may help to clarify the difference between modifiers  -51 (Multiple procedures) and -59 (Distinct procedural service):  Scenario one: A surgeon performs one surgical procedure on a patient's knee and a second on the patient's elbow. The surgeon must open each site, perform repairs and close each site. You should use modifier -59. Scenario two: A surgeon opens a patient's skull to remove two hematomas in different portions of the brain, and then performs...

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