All About Modifier 78 – Ophthalmology Management

Modifier 78 is used to identify a return to the operating room for a related procedure during the surgical postoperative period. This article describes when its use is appropriate.

This article answers the following questions:

• How does CPT describe modifier 78?
• Would a minor surgery room located in a physicians office qualify as an operating room for this purpose?
• When is modifier 78 used?
• Does modifier 78 have an impact on payment?
• How do payments for claims submitted with modifier 78 differ from those with the other surgical modifiers, 58 and 79?
• Is modifier 78 appropriate for repeat laser procedures performed within the global period?

This article was published in Ophthalmology Management’s Coding & Reimbursement column, which is written by Corcoran’s Executive Vice-President, Suzanne Corcoran, COE. To view the entire article in Ophthalmology Management, click on the link below:

http://www.ophthalmologymanagement.com/article.aspx?article=103825