Are you still using Modifier 59? CMS replaced modifier 59 on January 1, 2015.
First, what is Modifier 59? Modifier 59 is used in medical billing to override the National Correct Coding Initiative (NCCI) edits which CMS created in the first place. Some services are included or bundled into other services and should not be billed separately. However, there are circumstances where it is appropriate to bill the services separately and the 59 modifier has been used historically to tell insurance companies this is one of those circumstances.
You can find the complete details on the creation of the new codes at www.cms.gov by searching for the MLN Matters article MM8863. Please review this article in detail to gain a complete understanding of the changes.
The new modifiers used to replace the 59 modifier all begin with a letter X.
XE = Separate Encounter, A Service That Is Distinct Because It Occurred During A Separate Encounter,
XS = Separate Structure, A Service That Is Distinct Because It Was Performed On A Separate Organ/Structure,
XP = Separate Practitioner, A Service That Is Distinct Because It Was Performed By A Different Practitioner, and
XU = Unusual Non-Overlapping Service, The Use Of A Service That Is Distinct Because It Does Not Overlap Usual Components Of The Main Service.
CMS will continue to recognize the 59 modifier, but notes that Current Procedural Terminology (CPT) instructions state that the 59 modifier should not be used when a more descriptive modifier is available. While CMS will continue to recognize the 59 modifier in many circumstances, they may selectively require a more specific X modifier for billing certain codes at high risk for incorrect billing. If you haven't done so already, it would be a good time to review and adopt the X modifiers.
Billing Buddies ® Bullet Points is brought to you by Billing Buddies. Visit us on the web at www.billingbuddies.com. I'm your host, Bonnie J. Flom. I have 34 years of medical billing experience and am a Certified Medical Reimbursement Specialist through the American Medical Billing Association. If you have any questions or comments, please email bonnie@billingbuddies.com or call or text us at 612.432.2366. Our goal at Billing Buddies is to help optimize and expedite our providers reimbursement so they are better able to serve their clients. If you should need medical billing or training services, please contact us. Have a great day and happy billing.
Six Myths of Chiropractic Billing
Changing of the Codes; ICD-10 and CPT Codes
Insurance and Credit Cards - Streamlining Your Cash Flow in the New Year
Billing Buddies ® Medical Billing and Consulting Services
Chiropractic ABN's
Chiropractors Must Bill Medicare
Effective Follow-up Processes for Medical Billing
How to Bill Railroad Medicare
Medical Billing - Getting the Proper Signatures on File
Medicare Policy Numbers Changing
How healthy are your Accounts Receivables?
59 Modifier Replaced by X-Modifiers
Charge for your Medical Records
New Advance Beneficiary Notice (ABN) Released March 2017
Auto and WC Denials
Medicare Coding, Charting and Billing for Chiropractic
Compliance Manual
Checks and Balances
How to Increase Your Cash Flow
Create your
podcast in
minutes
It is Free
Omelas
Bank of America Treasury Insights
PrideStaff Strategic Insights
The SuccessGrid Podcast
Reaching your Goals
The Ramsey Show
Planet Money