Health Information Management

Pay-per-view: Use caution when applying modifier -59 for drug administration services

APCs Insider, July 17, 2015

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Most coding professionals have heard modifier -59 (distinct procedural service) referred to as a modifier of last resort and to be cautious in using this modifier.
 
Coding professionals should only append modifier -59 in specific situations, and when documentation supports its use, not simply in response to National Correct Coding Initiative (NCCI) edits. Most providers do not hard code this modifier in their chargemaster, as it typically results in a payment being generated.
 
With drug administration services, however, providers likely find themselves prompted to use this modifier more frequently than typically expected or with other services. This is in part because certain drug administration service codes, such as IV push injections or infusions, may be part of another service such as a CT scan with contrast.
 
Continue reading "Use caution when applying modifier -59 for drug administration services" on HCPro’s website. Subscribers to Briefings on APCs have free access to this article in the July issue.



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