Does modifier 59 apply to add on codes?
Asked by: Prof. Gay Quitzon | Last update: July 11, 2025Score: 4.6/5 (71 votes)
Do you need a modifier for an add-on code?
All add-on codes are exempt from the “multiple procedure” concept, per CPT® instructions. As such, you never would append modifier 51 multiple procedures to a designated add-on code. Other important points to remember about add-on codes include: They are denoted in CPT® with a “+” to the left of the code.
What CPT codes need a 59 modifier?
Another common use of modifiers 59 or XE is for surgical procedures, non-surgical therapeutic procedures, or diagnostic procedures performed during different patient encounters on the same day that can't be described by 1 of the more specific NCCI PTP-associated modifiers – in other words, 24, 25, 27, 57, 58, 78, 79, ...
Does cpt code 97140 need a 59 modifier?
Description of the manual therapy technique(s) location (e.g., spinal region(s), shoulder, thigh, etc.) Time (e.g., number of minutes spent performing the services associated with this procedure) meets the timed-therapy services requirement. CPT code 97140 is appended with the modifier -59 or the appropriate –X ...
When to use modifier 59 aapc?
Modifier 59 is only appropriate if procedures are performed for lesions anatomically separate from one another or if procedures are performed at separate patient encounters. Don't report CPT codes 11055-11057 for removal of hyperkeratotic skin adjacent to nails needing debridement.
Encore: Modifier Monday: GW, GV, and Condition Code 07
Can modifier 59 be used on 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.
Under what circumstances would modifier 59 not be appropriate?
Modifier 59 should not be used (as it is unnecessary) if the narrative description of the two codes is different. Modifier 59 is used appropriately for two services described by timed codes provided during the same encounter only when they are performed sequentially.
How do you know if a CPT code needs a modifier?
- The service or procedure has both professional and technical components.
- More than one provider performed the service or procedure.
- More than one location was involved.
- A service or procedure was increased or reduced in comparison to what the code typically requires.
What are the rules for 97140 billing?
Understanding the Time-Based Billing Rules for 97140
This means that in order to bill a unit, at least 8 minutes of that 15-minute increment must be spent providing direct patient contact. Any time less than 8 minutes within an increment cannot be counted towards billing.
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 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.
How are modifiers shown in CPT?
The most common CPT modifiers are nominated by letters or numbers. For example, the modifier -22 indicates increased services, while -52 means reduced fees. Other modifiers include -59 for distinct procedural service, -95 for telehealth, and -96 -97 for habilitative and rehabilitative services, respectively.
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 the modifier 59 rule?
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.
Which modifier cannot be used on a add on codes?
There are instances where multiple procedures are performed but modifier 51 is not appropriate. Modifier 51 is not appended to add-on codes.
What modifier cannot be appended to an add on code?
Modifier 50 cannot be appended to an add on code.
Does the 59 modifier go on 97140 and 97530?
In March 2020, CMS added the X sub-modifiers to a now-rescinded CMS policy document. In that document, CMS listed 97140 (manual therapy) and 97530 (therapeutic activities) and explicitly stated that: “Modifier 59 may be reported if the two procedures are performed in distinctly different 15-minute time blocks.
What is CPT code 97140 59?
Use the 59 modifier (distinct procedural service) with the chiropractic CPT code 97140 when you perform manual therapy during the same encounter as a chiropractic adjustment. The 59 modifier instructs the insurance payer's software not to “bundle” the two procedures together, preventing the denial of your payment.
What are the rules for Medicare 97140?
Time-Based Billing for CPT Code 97140
This code follows the "8-minute rule" generally imposed for Medicare, which says that there must be at least 8 minutes of therapy to bill for a single unit of 97140. The 8-minute rule is a critical aspect of time-based CPT codes like 97140.
What is an example of a 59 modifier?
59 Modifier Examples
An example of appropriate use of the 59 modifier might be if a physical therapist performed both 97140 (manual therapy) and 97530 (therapeutic activity) in the same visit. Normally these procedures are considered inclusive.
When would add-on codes be used?
Answer: Add-on codes are part of the American Medical Association (AMA) Current Procedural Terminology (CPT) set of codes. They indicate work performed in addition to the primary service or procedure by the same physician. Parenthetical notes included in their descriptors may indicate reportable combinations.
Do add-on CPT codes get modifiers?
These codes can't be billed without a primary code, and the fee is already discounted as it is a secondary procedure. This is why add-on codes are “modifier 51 exempt” and, most of the time, you won't need to use any modifiers with CPT add-on codes.
What are the three categories of CPT codes?
- 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 or xs?
Modifiers 59 or –XS are for surgical procedures, non-surgical therapeutic procedures, or diagnostic procedures. From an NCCI program perspective, the definition of different anatomic sites includes different organs or, in certain instances, different lesions in the same organ.
What is CPT code 96372 with modifier 59?
The 96372 CPT code is to be billed for each injection performed on a patient. Modifier 59 should be used when the injection is a separate service from other treatments. Requirements for Reimbursement: Direct Physician Supervision – must be done under the direct supervision of an MD.