Author Topic: Modifier for multiple units?  (Read 2760 times)

cconter

  • Newbie
  • *
  • Posts: 14
Modifier for multiple units?
« on: January 02, 2014, 01:33:40 PM »
Hi all and Happy New Year!  We are a small chiropractic office that recently began providing therapeutic massage, rendered by the D.C., in the office.  We are using cpt 97124 (2 units) for 30 minute session.  Is there a modifier required to indicate multiple units, or is it sufficient to just designate the # of units on the cms1500, line 24G?  Thank you!

DMK

  • Hero Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 680
Re: Modifier for multiple units?
« Reply #1 on: January 03, 2014, 03:24:49 PM »
Be sure to add -59 modifier (separate service) to the massage code as well as the # of units if chiropractic manipulation is done on the same day, otherwise the insurance company will bundle it as included in the adjustment.

Michele

  • Administrator
  • Hero Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 5927
    • Solutions Medical Billing
Re: Modifier for multiple units?
« Reply #2 on: January 11, 2014, 11:15:12 AM »
the 59 modifier means:  "Distinct Procedural Service:  Under certain circumstances, the physician may need to indicate that a procedure or service was distinct or independent from other services performed on the same day. Modifier 59 is used to identify procedures/services that are not normally reported together, but are appropriate under the circumstances. This may represent a different session or patient encounter, different procedure or surgery, different site or organ system, separate incision/excision, separate lesion, or separate injury (or area of injury in extensive injuries) not ordinarily encountered or performed on the same day by the same physician. However, when another already established modifier is appropriate, it should be used rather than modifier 59. Only if no more descriptive modifier is available, and the use of modifier 59 best explains the circumstances, should modifier 59 be used."

Just wanted to make sure they knew what it was!
Sign Up for our FREE Medical Billing Newsletter
Get a 10% discount on Medical Billing Products by using Coupon Code: 10OFF
http://www.solutions-medical-billing.com

Medical Billing Forum

Re: Modifier for multiple units?
« Reply #2 on: January 11, 2014, 11:15:12 AM »