Forum - Questions & Answers
Modifier for 44005 and 36556?
I have a denial for 44005 and 36556. I have modifier 51, 59, and Q6 on 36556 but I am afraid it will deny again. Any guidance with modifiers is appreciate it.
re: Modifier for 44005 and 36556?
Take a look at how you used your modifiers; you would not report both -51 and -59 on the same code.
44005 - Enterolysis (freeing of intestinal adhesion) (separate procedure)
36556 - Insertion of the non-tunneled centrally inserted central venous catheter; age 5 years or older
51 - Multiple Procedures
59 - Distinct Procedural Service
RE Modifier 59 should be appended to the “Separate Procedure” per AMA
Per AMA Guidelines, “When a procedure or service that is designated as a “separate procedure” is carried out independently or considered to be unrelated or distinct from other procedures/services provided at that time, it may be reported by itself, or in addition to other procedures/ services by appending modifier 59 to the specific “separate procedure” code to indicate that the procedure is not considered to be a component of another procedure, but is a distinct, independent procedure. This may represent 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).”
Using modifier 51 may depend on your carrier; there are some carriers that do not require the use of Modifier -51, when using this modifier you will usually receive reduced reimbursement.
Modifier 51 indicates:
The same procedure performed on different sites;
Multiple operations during the same session; or
One procedure performed multiple times.