What is modifier 59 used for?
Asked by: Dr. Dortha Herman Jr. | Last update: September 23, 2025Score: 5/5 (2 votes)
When should modifier 59 be used?
Modifier 59 is used to identify procedures/services, other than E/M services, that are not normally reported together, but are appropriate under the circumstances.
What is the difference between modifier 59 and 79?
While for some this modifier might cause confusion, it's pretty simple to differentiate it from the other ones. Modifier 59 refers to a non-E/M service performed on the same day. In comparison, modifiers 79, 78, and 58 refer to unrelated procedures or E/M services performed post-op.
What is the difference between modifier 50 and 59?
Modifier 50: Same Site, Different Side
The main confusion between modifiers 50 and 59 seems to be that both have the word “same” in their descriptors: Modifier 50 is for the “same session” Modifier 59 for the “same day” and the “same individual.”
What is the difference between modifier 25 and 59?
This helps ensure that healthcare services are reimbursed correctly, especially when different services seem similar but are distinct in nature and necessity. While Modifier 59 explains many separate services in one session, Modifier 25 shows vital, identifiable E&M services on the same day as other procedures.
Use and Abuse of Modifier 59 - Did You Know CCO #036
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.
What is the 25 modifier used for?
The Current Procedural Terminology (CPT) definition of Modifier 25 is as follows: Modifier 25 – this Modifier is used to report an Evaluation and Management (E/M) service on a day when another service was provided to the patient by the same physician or other qualified health care professional.
What is a 26 modifier?
• Modifier 26 is appended when a physician provides the professional component only of the global fee. and when the physician prepares a written interpretation and report. • Modifier 26 should only be appended to codes which are listed in the CMS NPFSRVF as modifier 26. appropriate.
What is modifier 50 used for?
Use modifier 50 to report bilateral procedures performed during the same operative session by the same physician in either separate operative areas (e.g., hands, feet, legs, arms, ears) or in the same operative area (e.g., nose, eyes, breasts).
What is the 55 modifier for?
POSTOPERATIVE MANAGEMENT ONLY: WHEN ONE PHYSICIAN PERFORMS THE POSTOPERATIVE MANAGEMENT AND ANOTHER PHYSICIAN HAS PERFORMED THE SURGICAL PROCEDURE, THE POSTOPERATIVE COMPONENT MAY BE IDENTIFIED BY ADDING THE MODIFIER -55 TO THE USUAL PROCEDURE NUMBER OR BY USE OF THE SEPARATE FIVE DIGIT MODIFIER CODE 09955.
What is a 79 modifier used for?
Modifier 79 is used to indicate an unrelated procedure performed by the same physician during the postoperative period of the original surgery. When the procedure is related to the original surgery or is a staged (anticipated) surgery, it falls under the global period and should not use Modifier 79.
Which modifiers go first?
The payment modifier should be placed first and then any informational modifiers follow. A payment modifier example is -58, -79. These modifiers tell the payer why a surgery should be paid a certain way.
When to use modifier 62?
Two surgeons. Under some circumstances, the individual skills of two or more surgeons are required to perform surgery on the same patient during the same operative session. This may be required because of the complex nature of the procedure(s) and/or the patient's condition.
How much does modifier 59 affect reimbursement?
A Modifier 59 attached to a procedure code indicates that it is a separate procedure and is NOT subject to the multiple surgical reduction; as a result, it should be paid at 100% of the fee schedule.
What is the difference between modifier 59 and 78?
Consider: Modifiers 58, 78, and 79 all refer to “unrelated procedures/services or E/M services in the post-op period.” Modifier 59 refers to “non-EM” service performed “on the same day.”
How do I know which modifier to use?
The correct modifier to use is determined by payor preference. There can be instances where a CPT code is further defined by an HCPCS modifier, for example, to describe the side of the body the procedure is performed on, such as left (modifier -LT) or right (modifier -RT).
What is the 59 modifier used for?
Modifier 59 Distinct Procedural Service indicates that a procedure is separate and distinct from another procedure on the same date of service. Typically, this modifier is applied to a procedure code that is not ordinarily paid separately from the first procedure but should be paid per the specifics of the situation.
What is modifier 80?
Current Procedural Terminology (CPT®) Modifier 80 - CPT Modifier 80 represents assistant at surgery by another physician. This assistant at surgery is providing full assistance to the primary surgeon.
What is 57 modifier?
CPT modifier 57 may be used to report the decision for surgery for certain codes. This modifier may be used to indicate that an evaluation and management (E/M) service performed on the same day or the day before a major surgery (090 global days) by the surgeon resulted in the decision to perform the procedure.
What is a 22 modifier?
Modifier -22: Increased Procedural Services. This modifier is used to identify a service that requires significantly greater effort, such as increased intensity, time, technical difficulty of procedure, severity of patient's condition, physical and mental effort required, than is usually needed for that procedure.
What is modifier 24?
Modifier 24 is defined as an unrelated evaluation and management service by the same physician or other qualified health care professional during a post-operative period.
What is modifier 58?
Modifier 58 is defined as a staged or related procedure performed during the postoperative period of the first procedure by the same physician. A new postoperative period begins when the staged procedure is billed.
What is modifier 32?
32 - Mandated Services: Services related to mandated consultation and/or related services (eg, third party payer, governmental, legislative or regulatory requirement) may be identified by adding modifier 32 to the basic procedure.