Forum - Questions & Answers
Is a modifer needed
Is a modifer needed for codeds 14040 and 17311 w/dx 173.3
is a modifier needed
You need to access the National Correct Coding Initiative Edits for this (NCCI).
There are no bundling issues for 14040 and 17311. You can download the NCCI edits from CMS for free, but they are on paper, and difficult to use. There are many commercial software programs available that you can use.
Modifier can be use if it's a separate or distinct procedure
Depending on the Outpatient Guidelines for the Service you may able to use a "-59 for distinct procedures, not allowed for add-on codes or a "-27 for mulitiple E/M outpatient encounters on the same day. I heard if I'm correct a -59 may not be useable for outpatient, but you can double check on the usable of that modifier, and also -51 modifier for multiple procedures as I have use this modifier was no rejects. When coding Suture repairs, etc. Good Luck