Here are three common but critical mistakes made by ASC coders when using modifier -59, according to Cristina Bentin, principal of Coding Compliance Management.

Modifiers (usually 2-digits) are added to the main procedure code to signify that the procedure has been altered by a distinct factor. Modifiers are accepted by most payors. Modifiers can increase or ...

Auditing modifiers--the two-digit codes attached to procedure codes to alter their descriptions--plays a key part in verifying that claims for healthcare services were filed accurately and ...