Can modifier 59 be used on anesthesia codes?

Asked by: Prof. Kaycee Considine MD  |  Last update: April 19, 2025
Score: 4.9/5 (36 votes)

For example, the modifier may be used when reporting anesthesia care and a post-operative pain procedure when the procedure meets the criteria that allows for it to be separately reportable. A previous Timely Topic gives additional examples of applying modifier 59 to anesthesia services.

Under what circumstances would modifier 59 not be appropriate?

If you performed 2 procedures on different sides of the body, you may report them with modifiers LT and RT as appropriate. However, modifiers 59, XE, XS, XP, XU are inappropriate if the basis for their use is that the narrative description of the 2 codes is different.

What modifiers are used with anesthesia codes?

Every anesthesia procedure billed to OWCP must include one of the following anesthesia modifiers: AA, QY, QK, AD, QX or QZ.

Does modifier 59 apply to add on codes?

Yes you may append modifier 59 to an add on code. In this case it would go on the 2284X instrumentation code. Rule of thumb is documentation to ensure that the instrumentation is not integral with the interbody and if it is truly a stand alone device than you would capture 2284X-59 and 2285X.

Can modifier 53 be used on anesthesia codes?

Usually, modifier 53 is used with surgical and diagnostic CPT codes. Many payers do not require modifier 53 for anesthesia CPT codes. Anesthesia reports the anesthesia code and the time for the discontinued procedure after the start of anesthesia.

MEDICAL CODING MODIFIER 59 - Example & tutorial of modifier unbundling with modifier 59 & X{E,S,P,U}

33 related questions found

What is the 51 modifier for anesthesia?

Modifier 51 Multiple Procedures indicates that multiple procedures were performed at the same session. It applies to: Different procedures performed at the same session. A single procedure performed multiple times at different sites.

Can modifier 57 be added to surgery section codes?

Modifier 57 should be appended to any E/M service on the day of or the day before said procedure when the E/M service results in the decision to go to surgery. This informs the payer that the physician determined the surgery was medically necessary. Modifier 57 should only be appended to E/M codes.

When to use 59 or 51 modifier?

Modifier -51 would be attached because the biopsy is the lesser-valued procedure done at the same session, and modifier -59 would be attached to indicate that the biopsy, which is normally bundled with excision of the same lesion, was done on a separate lesion from the one that was excised.

Can modifier 59 be used on labs?

Modifier 59 (distinct) and 91 (repeat) are valid modifiers for most laboratory services and should be used when multiple laboratory services described by a single code are provided to a patient on one day by the same provider.

What is mod 53?

Bill modifier 53 with the CPT code for the service furnished. This modifier is used to report a service or procedure when the service or procedure is discontinued after anesthesia is administered to the patient.

What is the 59 modifier for anesthesia?

Modifier 59

Documentation must support a different session, different procedure or surgery, different site or organ system, separate incision/excision, separate lesion, or separate injury (or area of injury in extensive injuries) not ordinarily encountered or performed on the same day by the same individual.

What CPT codes need a 59 modifier?

For the NCCI, the primary purpose of CPT® modifier 59 is to indicate that two or more procedures are performed at different anatomic sites or during different patient encounters. It should only be used if no other modifier more appropriately describes the relationships of the two or more procedure codes.

Can modifier be added to surgery section codes?

All surgical procedure codes require a modifier. Failure to submit a modifier with a surgical procedure code will result in the claim being returned to the provider for correction. The inappropriate use of a modifier, or using a modifier when it is not necessary, will result in a denial or delay in payment.

Which modifier should not be reported by anesthesiologists?

The modifier not typically used for reporting anesthesia services is Modifier -51. This is because anesthesia billing focuses on the complexity and time of services rather than the number of procedures performed.

Can modifier 59 be used with 99213?

If the circumstance calls for a Level 3 established patient visit (CPT code 99213) to be billed with psychological testing (such as CPT code 96101), modifier 59 would be appended to the testing code.

What is CPT code 93000 with modifier 59?

It indicates that the provider is billing for the use of equipment and the technician's time, excluding the interpretation. 3. Modifier 59 - Distinct Procedural Service: This modifier is used to indicate that the electrocardiogram was a distinct service from other procedures performed on the same day.

Can modifier 59 be used for ultrasound?

Modifier 59 is recognized as appropriate when billed with obstetrical ultrasounds, CPT® procedures codes 76813 through 76828.

What is the difference between modifier 59 and 91?

What is the difference between 91 and 59 modifiers? Modifier 91 indicates repeated clinical lab tests on the same day for treatment management. Modifier 59 designates separate procedures performed by the same healthcare professional on the same day.

What are modifiers used for in medical coding?

The modifier provides additional information about the medical procedure, service, or supply involved without changing the meaning of the code. Medical coders use modifiers to tell the story of a particular encounter.

Which of the following procedures can be coded separately when performed by the anesthesiologist?

Among the options given, the procedures that can typically be coded separately when performed by an anesthesiologist are the placement of an arterial line and the insertion of a central venous catheter, because they require additional skills and provide specific benefits beyond conventional anesthesiology services.

What modifier is used to report the termination of a surgery following induction of anesthesia?

The modifier used to report the termination of a surgery following induction of anesthesia due to extenuating circumstances or those that threaten the well-being of the patient is **Modifier 53**.

What are the three categories of CPT codes?

Types of CPT
  • Category I: These codes have descriptors that correspond to a procedure or service. ...
  • Category II: These alphanumeric tracking codes are supplemental codes used for performance measurement. ...
  • Category III: These are temporary alphanumeric codes for new and developing technology, procedures and services.

When to use modifier 59 example?

Therapists often use modifier 59 to bill for “two timed code procedures [that] are performed sequentially in the same encounter.” For instance, if you billed CPT codes 97140 (Manual Therapy) and 97530 (Therapeutic Activities)—and you provided those services during separate and distinct 15-minute intervals—then, as ...

Can modifier 59 be used on add on codes?

Combining CPT add-on codes and modifiers

For instance, healthcare providers often use modifier 59 to indicate that grouping these procedures together was necessary under the circumstances. Another common modifier is modifier 51.