MAR 30, 2022
Does This Support Modifier -59?
A physician performed complex cataract surgery 66982 OS on a patient and in the same session performed a 67005 OS. The op note reads: “One strand of vitreous was seen inferior-nasally so the anterior vitrectomy instrument was used to remove it.”
Does this documentation support the use of modifier -59 to bill 66982 and 67005?
It would not be appropriate to unbundle these two procedures as performed in the same eye and same structure.
The CMS’
Medical Learning Network (PDF) reports on appropriate use of modifier -59 :
Modifier application is covered in Chapter 5 of
2022 Fundamentals of Ophthalmic Coding.