Surgical Modifiers
Browse surgical modifiers used for procedures, postoperative care, staged surgeries, and unrelated procedures during global periods
Surgical Modifiers 1-25
Increased Procedural Services
Explains procedures requiring substantially greater work because of unusual complexity, anatomy, or clinical circumstances
Surgical Modifiers 50-60
Bilateral Procedure
Used when the same procedure is performed on both sides of the body during the same operative session
Multiple Procedures
Tells insurance payers that more than one procedure was performed during the same session
52
Reduced Services
Tells insurance payers that a service was performed but was reduced from its usual extent
Discontinued Procedure
Used when a procedure is started but discontinued due to patient safety or extenuating circumstances.
Decision for Surgery
An evaluation and management service resulting in the initial decision to perform major surgery.
Staged or Related Procedure or Service by the Same Physician During the Postoperative Period
Used when a staged, planned, or more extensive procedure is performed during the postoperative period of another surgery
Surgical Care Only
Tells insurance payers that the provider performed only the surgical procedure
Postoperative Management Only
Indicates that a provider furnished only postoperative management services.
Preoperative Management Only
Indicates that a provider furnished only preoperative management services
Distinct Procedural Service
Indicates that a procedure or service was distinct or independent from other services performed on the same day
Tells insurance payers that the surgical field was altered by trauma, infection, previous surgery, or other conditions
Altered Surgical Field
Modifiers 61-80
Two Surgeons
Identifies procedures performed by two primary surgeons, each completing distinct portions of the same operation
Surgical Team
Used when a complex surgical procedure requires multiple physicians working together as a coordinated surgical team
Procedure Performed on Infants Less Than 4 kg
Identifies eligible procedures performed on infants under 4 kilograms
ASC Procedure Prior to Administration of Anesthesia
Reports discontinued outpatient procedures before anesthesia administration for eligible facility claims.
ASC Procedure After Administration of Anesthesia
Reports discontinued outpatient procedures after anesthesia administration for eligible facility claims.
80
Assistant Surgeon
Reports full assistant surgeon services during eligible surgical procedures by physicians
Minimum Assistant Surgeon
Reports minimal assistant surgeon services during eligible surgical procedures by physicians
When Qualified Resident Surgeon Not Available
Reports assistant surgeon services when no qualified resident surgeon is available.
Surgical Modifiers 76-100
Unrelated Procedure or Service by the Same Physician During the Postoperative Period
An unrelated procedure performed during the postoperative global period.
Unplanned Return to the Operating Room During the Postoperative Period
When a patient requires an unplanned return to the operating room during the postoperative period following an initial procedure
Modifiers A
AS
Assistant at Surgery
Identifies PA, NP, or CNS services performed as surgical assistants
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