Question

When bleeding occurs as a result of an endoscopic procedure, control for bleeding is reported separately during the same operative session. Which modifier should be used to indicate this?

a) -50
b) -51
c) -53
d) -59

Answer 1

Modifier -59 is used to indicate a separate and distinct procedural service that occurs during the same operative session, such as controlling for bleeding after an endoscopic procedure.

Step-by-step explanation:

When bleeding occurs as a result of an endoscopic procedure and control for bleeding is reported separately, the correct modifier to indicate this separate service during the same operative session is -59. This Distinct Procedural Service modifier is used to signify that a procedure or service was distinct or independent from other services performed on the same day. It's necessary to utilize this modifier to indicate that a procedure that was performed is not normally reported together with the primary procedure and is significant enough to be reported separately.