How to Use Modifiers 59, 25, 91If you run a healthcare organization from a small physician's office to a large hospital, your billing department uses codes to document procedures, medication and techniques used to treat clients. Entering the wrong code...

1. How to Use Modifiers
59, 25, 91, 91
www.omnimd.com sales@omnimd.com
1- 844-666-4631

2. If you run a healthcare organization from a small physician’s office to a large hospital, your billing department uses
codes to document procedures, medication, and techniques used to treat clients. Entering the wrong code can
result in improper billing and claims denials. Even if you get it right, the codes themselves often don’t accurately
reflect the level of care provided.
Medical codes transform services, procedures, and equipment into a universally understood language. However,
your medical billing clerk may need to include more information to ensure that your organization receives the
proper compensation. In addition, modifiers help clarify the services provided to insurance companies and billing
personnel.
A medical modifier consists of two numbers or letters added to CPT or HCPCS Level II codes. Modifiers provide
essential information about the service or procedure without impacting the main code. This blog provides
guidance on using modifiers 59, 25, and 91.

3. When Should You Use Modifiers?
Tack on a modifier to the appropriate CPT code when you need a better description of services
provided to clients. It’s important to avoid adding modifiers merely to increase reimbursement. You
also cannot use modifiers to bill for procedures bundled with other services.
Working with modifiers requires care and due diligence. The descriptions aren’t always as clear as
you might hope. Also, using the wrong modifier can result in suspicion or claim denials on the part of
an insurer.
However, modifiers are critical to proper billing for your organization’s products and services. They
further clarify a CPT code to document important information. These supplemental descriptions paint
a more detailed story regarding services. In this blog, we’re concentrating on three of the most
commonly miscoded ones.
CPT modifier 59: Distinct Procedural Service
Medical practitioners use modifier 59 to distinguish distinct procedural services. This commonly
misused modifier indicates multiple procedures on different parts of the body during a single visit.
Unfortunately, coders often use it to separate services bundled in another code. When used to
prevent bundling and increase the total bill, adding modifier 59 becomes part of fraudulent billing
practices.

4. Coders should also avoid using modifier 59 to bypass controls on the insurer’s claims processing system.
Therefore, it’s important to use 59 only when there’s no more appropriate code to describe multiple
procedures.
Adermatologist performs a Photo Dynamic Therapy session on a patient’s scalp and face.
Then, the machine is used to treat other parts of the body.
The coder enters 9656796567 – 59 into the claim system.
Modifier 59 indicates the second procedure, which required new positioning on a unique body region.
This is a valid use of modifier 59.
Example:
Modifier 25: separately Identifiable Evaluation and Management
Modifier 25 is a separately identifiable evaluation. Further, it’s performed by the same doctor or caregiver on
the same day. Therefore, medical professionals can use modifier 25 to amend applicable CPT codes when
the patient’s condition requires multiple evaluation and management (E/M) services

5. Avoid using modifier 25 in the following circumstances:
Avoid using the 25 modifiers to bill for postoperative E/M related to prior surgery.
Don’t add modifier 25 for an E/M service not followed by a procedure.
Instruct coders not to append 25 for minimal same-day procedures unless you can show the service was “significant,
separately identifiable.”
Example:
A patient attends a cardiac appointment complaining of chest pain while exercising. The patient is hypertensive and has
high cholesterol. The cardiologist orders a stress test on the same day.
The billing clerk enters an E/M visit (99214) and a cardiovascular stress test (93015).
Using modifier 25 with the E/M code
Modifier 91
Use modifier 91 to indicate a test performed multiple times on the same day. If you use the tests for separate specimens
for unique results, apply modifier 91 to clarify the billing.
When to avoid using modifier 91:
Don’t append 91 if re-running lab tests to confirm previous results.
Avoid modifier 91 if retesting due to problems with the equipment or specimen.
Don’t use the 91 modifiers when another code includes a test series or for procedures that require a one-time result.

6. Ahigh blood pressure patient takes a plasma renin activity test (84244 Renin) while lying down.
The doctor performs the same test in multiple positions to determine whether the position contributes to
hyperaldosteronism or other conditions.
Repeat renin tests are scheduled for the afternoon, but the patient is standing up this time.
The 91 modifiers can be added to the second renin (84244) procedure.
This results in two sets of lab tests for the same day on the same patient.
Understanding how to use modifiers correctly can help ensure that your claims are processed smoothly and
without incident. Refer to the CPT codebook for information on other modifiers.
Example:

7. Thank You
www.omnimd.com sales@omnimd.com 1-844-666-4631