do I need modifiers

I am billing 49000, 44970, and 44005. This was a pt that came to the ER with 560.9, 789.09, 787.01 billed 99233-57. What do I need to use to get these paid?

re: do I need modifiers

You can't bill all three of these codes together. CCI edits will not allow modifiers for these CPT® codes. 44005 is a separate procedure by itself and typically you cannot bill it with other CPT® codes. If the doctor did a substantial amount of adhesiolysis and he dictates the amount of time and complexity of it, you MAY be able to bill it but I would stay clear of that code. 49000 is also a separate procedure and it will not be paid either. I guess I would only bill 44970. You could add -22 modifier and submit the operative to show that more was involved in the surgery than just removing the appendix if indeed there was more involved.

re: do I need modifiers

Thank you. I was pretty sure from another senario that I could not bill for these all together. So if I try to bill for 44005 I will attach the op notes. Do I put the modifier on 44005 or 44970?

re: do I need modifiers

I guess if you try, I would add the -59 onto 44005.