A physician performed a complex repair of the scalp measuring 7.2 cm and an intermediate repair of the arm measuring 3.4 cm. The repairs are different complexities, so they would be reported with separate repair codes, but you would need to add a modifier to indicate that they are two separate procedures performed on the same date of service. Which modifier would you use?
A)-59
B)-51
C)-25
D)-24

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The modifier that you would use to indicate that they were two separate procedures performed on the same date of service would be -59 (Distinct Procedural Service). In the description of modifier -59, it states that it is used to report two services that were performed on "different site or organ system[s]," and as such, it is used to report a repair done on the same date, on two separate body areas (the scalp and arm).

A Physician Performed a Complex Repair of the Scalp Measuring